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EIGHTEENTH  THOUSAND. 

THE    LIVES    OF 


MBS.  A  If  If  H.  JUDSON 


MRS,  SARAH  B,  JUDSON, 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF  MBS.  EMILY  C,  JUDSON, 


MISSIONARIES  TO   BURHAH. 


IN  'I'H  H.TTR  PASTS. 


BY  AEABELLA  W.  STUART. 

(MBS   ARABELLA   M.    WILLSON.) 


A  self-denying  band, — who  counted  not 
Life  dear  unto  them,  so  they  might  fulfil 
Their  ministry,  and  save  the  heathen  soul. 


NEW  YORK  AM)  AUBURN: 
MILLER,  ORTON  &  MULLIGAN. 

•NEW  YORK :  26  PARK  BOW — AUBURN  :  107  GENXSEE-BT. 

1855. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1851,  by 

DERBY    AND    MILLER, 
n  the  Clerk's  Office  for  the  Northern   District  of  New  York. 


AUBURN : 

MILLER,    ORTON    A    MULLIGAN, 
BTEBEOTYPB88  AND  PRINTERS. 


PREFACE. 


AMONG  the  many  benefits  which  modern  missions  have  con 
feired  on  the  world,  not  the  least,  perhaps,  is  the  field  they  have 
afforded  for  the  development  of  the  highest  excellence  of  female 
character.  The  limited  range  of  avocations  allotted  to  woman, 
and  her  consequent  inability  to  gain  an  elevated  rank  in  the  higher 
walks  of  life,  has  been  a  theme  of  complaint  with  many  modern 
reformers,  especially  with  the  party  who  are  loud  in  their  advocacy 
of  woman's  rights.  That  few  of  the  sex  have  risen  to  eminence 
in  any  pa-th  but  that  of  literature,  is  too  well  known  to  admit  of 
denial,  and  might  be  proved  by  the  scantiness  of  female  biography. 
How  few  of  the  memoirs  and  biographical  sketches  which  load 
the  shelves  of  our  libraries,  record  the  lives  of  women  ! 

The  missionary  enterprise  opens  to  woman  a  sphere  of  ac- 
tivity, usefulness  and  distinction,  not,  under  the  present  constitu- 
tion of  society,  to  be  found  elsewhere.  Here  she  may  exhibit 
whatever  she  possesses  of  skill  in  the  mastery  of  unknown 
and  difficult  dialects ;  of  tact  in  dealing  with  the  varieties  of  hu- 
man character;  of  ardor  and  perseverance  in  the  pursuit  of  a 
noble  end  under  the  most  trying  discouragements ;  and  of  exalted 
Christian  heroism  and  fortitude,  that  braves  appalling  dangers, 
and  even  death  in  its  most  dreadful  forms,  in  its  affectionate  devo- 
tion to  earthly  friends,  and  the  service  of  a  Heavenly  Master. 
Compared  with  the  true  independence,  the  noble  energy,  the  al- 
most superhuman  intrepidity  of  the  Mrs.  Judsons,  how  weak  and 
despicable  seem  the  struggles  of  many  misguided  women  in  our 
day,  who  seek  to  gain  a  reluctant  acknowledgment  of  equality 
with  the  other  sex,  by  a  noisy  assertion  of  their  rights,  and  in 
some  instances,  by  an  imitation  of  their  attire  !  Who  would  not 
turn  from  a  female  advocate  at  the  bar,  or  judge  upon  the  bench, 
surrounded  by  the  usual  scenes  of  a  court-house,  even  if  she  filled 
these  offices  with  ability  and  talent,  to  render  honor  rather  to  her, 
who  laying  on  the  altar  of  sacrifice  whatever  of  genius,  or  acquire- 
ment, or  loveliness  she  may  possess,  goes  forth  to  cheer  and  to 
share  the  labors  and  cares  of  the  husband  of  her  youth,  in  his 
errand  of  love  to  the  heathen  ? 

And  it  seems  peculiarly  appropriate  that  woman,  who  doubtless 


2051193 


iV  PEEFACE. 

<^. 

owes  to  Christianity  most  of  the  domestic  consideration  and  social 
advantages,  which  in  enlightened  countries  she  regards  as  her 
birthright,  should  be  the  bearer  of  these  blessings  to  her  less  fa- 
vored sisters  in  heathen  lands.  If  the  Christian  religion  was  a 
GOSPEL  to  the  poor,  it  was  no  less  emphatically  so  to  woman, 
whom  it  redeemed  from  social  inferiority  and  degradation,  the 
fruit  for  ages  of  that  transgression  which  "  brought  death  into  the 
world,  and  all  our  wo."  Never  until  on  the  morning  of  the  res- 
urrection "she  came  early  unto  the  sepulchre,"  was  she  made  one 
in  Christ  Jesus  (in  whom  "  there  is  neither  male  nor  female")  with 
him  who  had  hitherto  been  her  superior  and  her  master.  Nor 
does  she  seem  then  to  have  misunderstood  her  high  mission,  or  to 
have  been  wanting  to  it.  The  "  sisters"  in  the  infant  churches 
rivalled  the  brethren  in  attachment  and  fidelity  to  the  cause ;  and 
to  their  "  ministry"  the  new  religion  was  indebted  in  no  small  de- 
gree for  its  unparalleled  success. 

Perhaps  an  apology  may  be  deemed  necessary  for  another  mem- 
oir of  the  distinguished  females  whose  names  adorn  our  title-paga 
With  regard  to  the  first  Mrs.  Judson,  it  has  been  thought  that  a 
simple  narrative  of  her  life,  unincumbered  with  details  of  the  his- 
tory of  the  mission,  would  be  more  attractive  to  youthful  readers 
than  the  excellent  biography  by  Mr.  Knowles.  Of  the  second, 
though  we  cannot  hope  or  wish  to  rival  the  graceful  and  spirited 
sketch  by  Fanny  Forrester,  still  it  is  believed  that  a  plain,  un- 
embellished  story  of  a  life  which  was  in  itself  so  exceedingly  in- 
teresting, may  also  find  favor  with  the  public.  As  to  the  last  of 
these  three  Christian  heroines,  our  sketch  of  her  is  necessarily  so 
imperfect,  that  we  should  hesitate  to  admit  it  at  all,  but  for  a  de- 
sire to  enrich  our  work  with  some  of  the  priceless  productions  of 
her  genius ;  and  also  a  wish  to  embalm  in  one  urn — perhaps  a  fra- 
gile one — the  memories  of  all  those  whose  virtues  and  affection 
have  contributed  so  largely  to  the  happiness  and  usefulness  of 
one  of  the  noblest  and  most  successful  of  modern  missionaries, 
the  Rev.  Adoniram  Judson. 

The  approval  of  several  of  the  friends  of  the  subjects  of  these 
memoirs,  has  encouraged  us  in  our  undertaking;  and  it  is  our 
sincere  desire  that  the  manner  of  its  execution  may  be  found  ac- 
ceptable, not  only  to  them,  but  to  the  friends  of  missions  in  gen- 
eral. And  should  the  work  gain  favor  with  our  youthful  readers, 
especially  with  female  members  of  Sunday-schools  and  Bible- 
classes,  and  prompt  them  to  a  noble  emulation  of  so  illustrious 
examples,  the  author's  fondest  hopes  will  be  more  than  realized. 


CONTENTS, 

PART  I. 

THE  LIFE  OF  THE  FIRST  MRS.  JUDSON. 
CHAPTER  I. 

Page 
Mrs.  Judson's  Birth. — Education  and  Conversion,          .        .        .13 

CHAPTER  II. 
Her  Marriage  and  Voyage  to  India, 21 

CHAPTER   III. 

Her  Arrival  at  Calcutta. — Difficulties  with  the  Bengal  Government. 
— Voyage  to  the  Isle  of  France. — Death  of  Mrs.  Newell. — 
Change  of  Sentiments. — Voyage  to  Rangoon 28 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Description  of  Burmah,  its  boundaries,  rivers,  climate,  soil,  fruits 
and  flowers. — Burman  People,  their  dress,  houses,  food,  gov- 
ernment and  religion,  .  »  .  .  .  .  .  .87 

CHAPTER  V. 
Rangoon. — Letters  from  Mrs.  Judson,  .  62 


VI  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  VI. 

Page 

Learning  the  Language. — Mrs.  J.  visits  the  "Wife  of  the  Viceroy. — 
Her  Sickness.— Her  Voyage  to  Madras. — Her  Return  to  Ran- 
goon.— Birth  of  a  Son 60 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Difficulty  of  inculcating  the  Gospel — Death  of  her  Son. — Failure 
of  Mrs.  Judson's  Health. — Arrival  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hough  at 
Rangoon 66 

CHAPTER  VHI. 

Missionary  Labors. — Female  Intellect  in  Burmah. — Description  of 
a  Pagoda. — Burman  Worship,  and  Offerings,  .  .  .  .74 

CHAPTER  IX. 

Distressing  Brents. — Mr.  Judson's  Absence  from  Rangoon. — Perse- 
cution of  Mr.  Hough. — His  Departure  for  Bengal. — Mrs.  Judson's 
heroic  Fortitude. — Mr.  Judson's  Return, 82 

^ 
CHAPTER  X. 

Intolerance  of  the  Burman  Government. — First  Edifice  for  Chris- 
tian "Worship  erected. — Instruction  of  Natives. — Conversion  of 
a  Native. — His  Baptism. — That  of  two  timid  Disciples. — Messrs. 
Judson  and  Colman  visit  Ava,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  8t 

CHAPTER   XL 

Reception  of  Messrs.  Colman  and  Judson  at  Ava. — Their  Return  to 
Rangoon. — Their  Resolution  to  leave  Rangoon. — Opposition  of 
Disciples  to  this  Measure. — Increase  cof  Disciples. — Then-  Stead- 
fastness.—Failure  of  Mrs.  Judson's  Health,  .  .  .  95 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XH. 

Page 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Judson  visit  Bengal  and  return.  —  Mrs.  Judson's  Health 
again  fails.  —  Her  Resolution  to  visit  America.  —  Her  Voyage  to 
England  and  Visit  there  .......  .  104 


CHAPTER  XHI. 

Mrs.  Judson's  Arrival  in  America.  —  Influence  of  her  Visit.  —  Hostile 
Opinions.  —  Her  Person  and  Manners.  —  Extracts  from  her  Letters,  110 


CHAPTER  XTV. 

Further  Extracts  from  her  Letters.  —  Her  Illness.  —  Her  History  of 
the  Burman  Mission.  —  Her  Departure  from  America  with  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Wade,  .........  118 


CHAPTER  XV. 

Messrs.  Judson  and  Price  visit  Ava.  —  Their  Reception  at  Court—- 
Their Return  to  Rangoon.  —  Mrs.  Judson's  Return.  —  A  Letter  to 
her  Parents  describing  their  Removal  to  Ava.  —  Description  of 
Ava,  ....  ......  12t 


CHAPTER  XVL 

War  with  the  British.  —  Narrative  of  the  Sufferings  of  the  Mission- 
aries during  the  War,         ......  .  130 


CHAPTER  XVH. 

Narrative  continued  and  concluded.  —  Their  deliverance  fi»F>  Bnr- 
man  Tyranny,  and  Protection  by  British  Government,  143 


VU1  CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XVIH. 

Pajre 

Influence  of  these  Disasters  on  the  Missionary  Enterprise. — Testi- 
monials to  Mrs.  Judson's  Heroic  Conduct. — Letter  from  Mr.  Jud- 
eon. — His  Acceptance  of  the  Post  of  Interpreter  to  Crawford's 
Embassy. — Mrs.  Judson's  Residence  at  Amherst. — Her  Illness 
and  Death. — Death  of  her  Infant 166 


PART  II. 

THE  LIFE  OF  THE  SECOND  MRS.  JUDSOff. 

CHAPTER  I. 
Birth  and  Education. — Poetical  Talent, 183 

CHAPTER  H. 

Conversion. — Bias  toward  a  Missionary  Life. — Acquaintance  with 
Boardman, ...  193 

CHAPTER  HI. 
Account  of  George  Dana  Boardman, 198 

CHAPTER  IV. 

Marriage  of  Miss  Hall  and  Mr.  Boardman. — They  sail  for  India. — 
Letter  from  Mr.  B. — Letters  from  Mrs.  B. — Another  Letter  from 
Mr.  B.,  204 

CHAPTER  V. 

Stationed  at  Maulmain. — Attack  of  Banditti. — Missionary  Opera- 
tions.— Danger  from  Fire,  ....  .  22? 


CONTENTS.  li 

CHAPTER   VI. 

Page 

Removal  to  Tavoy. — Idolatry  of  the  People. — Letter  from  MTB. 
B. — Baptism  of  a  Karen  Disciple. — Some  Account  of  the  Karens,  280 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Letter  from  Mrs.  B. — Mr.  B's.  Visit  to  the  Karens  in  their  Villages. 
—Defection  of  Disciples. — Its  Effect  on  Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.,  .  .  289 

CHAPTER  VHI. 
Death  of  their  First-born. — Letters  from  Mrs.  B.,          ...  246 

CHAPTER  IX. 
Revolt  of  Tavoy.— Letter  from  Mr.  B.,          .        .  252 

CHAPTER  X. 

Missionary  Labors  of  Mr.  Boardman. — His  ill  Health. — Letter  from 
Mrs.  B. — Death  of  a  second  Child.— Letters  from  Mrs.  B.,  .  262 

CHAPTER  XI. 

Letter  from  Mrs.  Boardman. — Illness  and  Death  of  George  Dana 
Boardman, 269 

CHAPTER  XH. 

Letters  from  Mrs.  B. — Her  Decision  to  remain  in  Burmah. — Her 
Missionary  Labors. — Her  Trials. — Schools,  ....  286 

CHAPTER  XHI. 

Correspondence  between  Mrs.  Boardman  and  the  Superintendent. 
— Her  Tours  among  the  Karens. — Her  Personal  Appearance. — 
Her  Acquaintance  with  the  Burman  Language. — Dr.  Judson's 
Translation  of  the  Bible,  .  ....  296 

A* 


Z  CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

Pasa 

Mrs.  Boardman's  Second  Marriage. — Removal  to  Maulmain. — Let- 
ter from  Mrs.  Judson. — Her  Son  sent  to  America. — Her  Hus- 
band's Illness 304 

CHAPTER  XV. 

Illness  of  her  Children. — Death  of  one  of  them. — Her  Missionary 
Labors,  and  Family  Cares. — Her  Declining  Health. — Poem. — 
Her  last  Illness  and  Death,  .  .  .  .  .  .811 


PART  III. 

SKETCH  OF  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  E.  0.  JUDSON. 

Remarks  on  her  Genius. — Her  Early  Life. — Conversion. — Employ- 
ments.— Tales  and  Poems. — Acquaintance  with  Dr.  Judson. — 
Marriage. — Voyage  to  India. — Biography  of  Mrs.  S.  B.  Judson. 
— Poem  written  off  St.  Helena. — Poem  on  the  Birth  of  an  Infant. 
— Lines  addressed  to  a  Bereaved  Friend. — Letter  to  her  Chil- 
dren.— Prayer  for  dear  Papa. — Poem  addressed  to  her  Mother. 
— Her  Account  of  Dr.  Judson's  last  Illness  and  Death,  .  .  821 


PART  L 

LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN   H.  JUDSON, 


FIRST   WIFE    OF 


REV.  ADONIRAM  JUDSON,  D.D 


I 

LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 


CHAPTER  I. 

MES.  JUDSON'S  BIETH,  EDUCATION,  AND  OONVEBSIO.*. 

WHEN  an  individual  attains  a  position  of  eminence 
which  commands  the  admiration  of  the  world,  we  nat- 
urally seek  to  learn  his  early  history,  to  ascertain  what 
indications  were  given  in  childhood  of  qualities  des- 
tined to  shine  with  such  resplendent  lustre,  and  to  dis- 
cover the  kind  of  discipline  which  has  developed  pow- 
ers so  extraordinary.  But  in  no  researches  are  we 
more  apt  to  be  baffled  than  in  these.  Few  children 
are  so  remarkable  as  to  make  it  worth  while,  even  to 
a  parent,  to  chronicle  their  little  sayings  and  doings ; 
and  of  infant  prodigies — though  there  is  a  supersti- 
tious belief  that  most  of  them  die  early,  which  is  ex- 
pressed in  the  adage — 

"  Whom  the  Gods  love,  die  young," 

those  that  live  commonly  disappoint  the  hopes  of  par- 


14:  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

tial  friends,  who  watched  their  infancy  with  wonder  and 
expectation. 

There  are  certain  qualities,  however,  which  we  shall 
rarely  miss  even  in  the  childhood  of  those  who  attain 
eminence  by  a  wise  employment  of  their  talents  and 
acquirements.  These  are,  firmness  of  purpose,  indus 
try  and  application,  and  an  ardent,  and  sometimes  en- 
thusiastic temperament.  These  qualities  were  pos- 
sessed in  no  common  degree  by  Ann  Hasseltine,  the  sub- 
ject of  this  memoir.  She  was  born  in  Bradford,  Mas- 
sachusetts, on  the  22d  of  December,  1789.  In  a  sketch 
which  she  has  given  of  her  life,  between  twelve  and 
sevenieen  years  of  age,  we  find  evidence  of  an  active, 
ardent,  and  social  disposition,  gay  and  buoyant  spirits, 
persevering  industry,  and  great  decision  of  character. 

Whatever  engaged  her  attention,  whether  study  or 
amusement,  was  pursued  with  an  ardor  that  excited 
the  sympathy  and  love  both  of  her  teachers  and  school- 
fellows. Though  little  of  her  writing  at  this  period  is 
preserved,  and  the  generation  that  knew  her  personally 
is  mostly  passed  away,  yet  her  whole  subsequent  career 
gives  evidence  of  an  intellect  of  a  very  high  order, 
carefully  cultivated  by  study  and  reflection. 

She  seems  scarcely  to  have  been  the  subject  of  seri- 
ous impressions  before  her  seventeenth  year.  Until 
that  time  she  enjoyed  the  pleasures  of  the  world  with 
few  misgivings,  and  with  a  keenness  of  relish  which 


LIFE  OF  MES.  ANN  H.  JUDSON.  15 

led  her  to  think  herself,  as  she  says,  "  the  happiest  crea- 
ture on  earth."  She  adds,  "  I  so  far  surpassed  my  friends 
in  gayety  and  mirth,  that  some  of  them  were  appre- 
hensive I  had  but  a  short  time  to  continue  in  my  ca- 
reer of  folly,  and  should  be  suddenly  cut  off.  Thus 
passed  the  last  winter  of  my  gay  life." 

During  the  spring  of  1806,  she  began  regularly  to 
attend  a  series  of  conference  meetings  in  Bradford,  her 
native  town.  She  soon  felt  that  the  Spirit  of  God  was 
operating  on  her  mind.  Amusements  lost  their  relish; 
she  felt  thaf  she  must  have  a  new  heart  or  perish  for- 
ever; and  she  often  sought  solitude,  that  she  might, 
unseen  by  others,  weep  over  her  deplorable  state.  Soon, 
however,  her  fears  that  her  distress  might  be  noticed 
by  her  companions,  were  merged  in  her  greater  terrors 
of  conscience,  and  she  "  was  willing  the  whole  universe 
should  know  that  she  felt  herself  to  be  a  lost  and  per- 
ishing sinner."  Her  distress  increased  as  she  became 
more  and  more  sensible  of  the  depravity  of  her  heart, 
and  the  holiness  and  sovereignty  of  God.  Her  mind 
rose  in  rebellion  against  a  Being,  who  after  all  her 
prayers  and  tears  and  self-denial,  still  withheld  from  her 
the  blessing  of  pardon  and  peace.  She  says,  "  In  this 
state  I  longed  for  annihilation,  and  if  I  could  have  de- 
stroyed the  existence  of  my  sou.  with  as  much  ease  as 
that  of  my  body,  I  should^quickly  have  done  it.  But 
that  glorious  Being  who  is  kinder  to  his  creatures  than 


16  LIFE   OF   MBS.   ANN  H.   JTJDSON. 

they  are  to  themselves,  did  not  leave  me  to  remain  in 
this  distressing  state."  The  plan  of  salvation  through 
a  crucified  Redeemer,  gradually  unfolded  itself  before 
her ;  she  began  to  take  delight  in  those  attributes  of 
God  which  before  had  filled  her  with  abhorrence ;  and 
although  she  did  not  at  first  imagine  that  this  was  the 
new  heart  for  which  she  had  sought  so  earnestly,  yet 
she  was  constrained  to  commit  all  her  interests  for  time 
and  eternity  unreservedly  to  that  Saviour,  who  now 
seemed  infinitely  worthy  of  the  service  of  her  whole 
existence.*  *  - 

The  change  in  her  from  extreme  worldliness  to  a 
life  of  piety  and  prayer  was  deep  and  permanent.  Hers 
was  no  half-way  character.  While  she  was  of  the 
world,  she  pursued  its  follies  with  entire  devotion  of 
heart ;  and  when  she  once  renounced  it  as  unsatisfying, 
and  unworthy  of  her  immortal  aspirations,  she  renoun- 
ced it  solemnly  and  finally.  Her  ardor  for  learning 
did  not  abate,  but  instead  of  being  inspired,  as  formerly, 

*  She  thus  describes  more  particularly  the  exercises  of  her  mind,  in 
an  entry  in  her.  Journal  a  year  later. 

"  July  6.  It  is  just  a  year  this  day  since  I  entertained  a  hope  in 
Christ.  About  this  time  in  the  evening,  when  reflecting  on  the  words 
of  the  lepers,  '  If  we  enter  into  the  city,  then  the  famine  is  in  the  city 
and  we  shall  die  there,  and  if  we  sit  still  here  we  die  also,' — I  felt  that  il 
I  returned  to  the  world,  I  should  surely  perish ;  if  I  stayed  where  I  then 
was  I  should  perish ;  and  T  could  but  perish  if  I  threw  myself  on  the 
mercy  of  Christ  Then  came  light,  and  relief,  and  comfort,  such  as  J 
never  knew  before." 


LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN   H.   JUDSON.  17 

by  a  thirst  for  human  applause  and  distinction,  it  was 
now  prompted  by  her  sense  of  responsibility  to  God 
for  the  cultivation  of  the  talents  he  had  given  her,  and 
her  desire  to  make  herself  increasingly  useful.  In  the 
sketch  referred  to  she  remarks,  "  I  attended  my  studies 
m  school  with  far  different  feelings  and  different  mo- 
tives from  what  I  had  ever  done  before.  I  felt  my  obli- 
gation to  improve  all  I  had  to  the  glory  of  God ;  and 
since  he  in  his  providence  had  favored  me  with  advan- 
tages for  improving  my  mind,  I  felt  that  I  should  be 
like  the  slothful  servant  if  I  neglected  them.  I  there- 
fore diligently  employed  all  my  hours  in  school  in  ac- 
quiring useful  knowledge,  and  spent  my  evenings  and 
part  of  the  night  in  spiritual  enjoyments."  "  Such  was 
my  thirst  for  religious  knowledge,  that  I  frequently 
spent  a  great  part  of  the  night  in  reading  religious 
books."  A  friend  says  of  her :  "  She  thirsted  for  the 
knowledge  of  gospel  truth  in  all  its  relations  and  de- 
pendencies. Besides  the  daily  study  of  the  scripture 
with  Guise,  Orton,  and  Scott  before  her,  she  perused 
with  deep  interest  the  works  of  Edwards,  Hopkins, 
Belamy,  Doddridge,  &c.  With  Edwards  on  Redemp- 
tion, she  was  instructed,  quickened,  strengthened.  Well 
do  I  remember  the  elevated  smile  that  beamed  on  her 
countenance  when  she  first  spoke  to  me  of  its  precious 
contents.  When  reading  scripture,  sermons,  or  other 
works,  if  she  met  with  anything  dark  or  intricate,  she 


18  LITE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

would  mark  the  passage,  and  beg  the  first  clergyman 
who  called  at  her  father's  to  elucidate  and  explain  it." 

How  evidently  to  us,  though  unconsciously  to  her- 
self, was  her  Heavenly  Father  thus  fitting  her  for  the 
work  he  was  preparing  for  her.  Had  she  known  that 
she  was  to  spend  her  days  in  instructing  bigoted  and 
captious  idolaters  in  religious  knowledge,  she  could  not 
have  trained  herself  for  the  task  more  wisely  than  she 
was  thus  led  to  do. 

While,  under  the  guidance  of  the  Spirit  of  truth,  she 
was  thus  cultivating  her  intellect,  that  same  Spirit  was 
also  sanctifying  and  purifying  her  heart.  She  loathed 
sin  both  in  herself  and  others,  and  strove  to  avoid  it, 
not  from  the  fear  of  hell,  but  from  fear  of  displeasing 
her  Father  in  heaven. 

In  one  place  she  writes :  "  Were  it  left  to  myself 
whether  to  follow  the  vanities  of  the  world,  and  go  to 
heaven  at  last,  or  to  live  a  religious  life,  have  trials 
with  sin  and  temptation,  and  sometimes  enjoy  the  light 
of  God's  reconciled  countenance,  I  should  not  hesitate  a 
moment  in  choosing  the  latter,  for  there  is  no  real  sat- 
isfaction in  the  enjoyments  of  time  and  sense." 

On  the  fourteenth  of  August,  1806,  she  made  a  pub- 
lic profession  of  religion,  and  united  with  the  Congre- 
gational church  at  Bradford,  being  in  her  seventeenth 
year. 

Very  early  in  her  religious  life  she  became  sensible 


LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON.  19 

that  if  unusual  advantages  for  acquiring  knowledge 
had  fallen  to  her  lot,  she  was  the  more  bound  to  use 
her  talents  and  acquirements  for  tbs  benefit  of  others 
less  favored  than  herself.  Actuated  by  such  motives, 
she  opened  a  small  school  in  her  native  place,  and  sub- 
sequently taught  in  several  neighboring  villages.  Her 
example  in  this  respect  is  surely  worthy  of  imitation 
Perhaps  no  person  is  more  admirable  than  a  young 
lady  fitted  like  Miss  Hasseltine  by  a  cultivated  mind 
and  engaging  manners  to  shine  in  society,  who  having 
the  choice  between  a  life  of  ease  and  one  of  personal 
exertion,  chooses  voluntarily,  or  only  in  obedience  to 
the  dictates  of  conscience,  the  weary  and  self-denying 
path  of  the  teacher.  And  probably  such  a  course 
would  oftener  be  chosen,  were  young  persons  aware 
of  the  unquestionable  fact,  that  the  school  in  which 
we  make  the  most  solid  and  rapid  improvement,  is  that 
in  which  we  teach  others. 

An  extract  from  her  journal  will  sustain  what  we 
have  said  of  her  conscientiousness  and  purity  of  mo- 
tive in  endeavoring  to  instruct  the  young : 

"  May  12,  1809. — Have  taken  charge  of  a  few  schol 
ars.  Ever  since  I  have  had  a  comfortable  hope  ic 
Christ,  I  have  desired  to  devote  myself  to  him  in  sucL 
a  way  as  to  be  useful  to  my  fellow-creatures.  As 
Providence  has  placed  me  in  a  situation  in  life  where 
I  have  an  opportunity  of  getting  as  good  an  education 


20  LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

as  I  desire,  I  feel  it  would  be  highly  criminal  in  me  not 
to  improve  it.  I  feel,  also,  that  it  would  be  equally 
criminal  to  desire  to  be  well  educated  and  accomplished, 
from  selfish  motives,  with  a  view  merely  to  gratify  my 
taste  and  relish  for  improvement,  or  my  pride  in  being 
qualified  to  shine.  I  therefore  resolved  last  winter  to 
attend  the  academy  from  no  other  motive  than  to  im- 
prove the  talents  bestowed  by  God,  so  as  to  be  more 
extensively  devoted  to  his  glory,  and  the  benefit  of  my 
fellow-creatures.  On  being  lately  requested  to  take  a 
small  school  for  a  few  months,  I  felt  very  unqualified 
to  have  the  charge  of  little  immortals ;  but  the  hope  of 
doing  them  good  by  endeavoring  to  impress  their  young 
and  tender  minds  with  divine  truth,  and  the  obligation 
I  feel  to  try  to  be  useful,  have  induced  me  to  comply. 
I  was  enabled  to  open  the  school  with  prayer.  Though 
the  cross  was  very  great,  I  felt  constrained  by  a  sense 
of  duty  to  take  it  up.  O  may  I  have  grace  to  be  faith- 
ful in  instructing  these  children  in  such  a  way  as  shall 
be  pleasing  to  my  heavenly  Father." 

Such  being  the  principles  by  which  she  was  actua- 
ted in.  commencing  the  work  of  instruction,  we  can- 
not doubt  that  her  efforts  to  be  useful  were  blessed  not 
only  by  the  temporal,  but  the  spiritual  advancement  of 
ner  pupils,  some  of  whom  may  appear,  with  children 
from  distant  Burmah,  as  crowns  of  her  rejoicing  in  tho 
last  great  day. 


CHAPTER  H. 

HER  MARBIAGE,  AND  VOYAGE  TO  INDIA. 

IN  1810,  the  calm  current  of  Miss  Hasseltine's  life 
was  disturbed  by  circumstances  which  were  to  change 
all  her  prospects,  and  color  her  whole  future  destiny. 
From  the  quiet  and  seclusion  of  her  New  England 
home,  she  was  called  to  go  to  the  ends  of  the  earth,  on 
a  mission  of  mercy  to  the  dark  browed  and  darker 
minded  heathen. 

It  is  perhaps  impossible  for  us  to  realize  now  what 
was  then  the  magnitude  of  such  an  enterprise.  Our 
wonderful  facilities  for  intercourse  with  the  most  dis- 
tant nations,  and  the  consequent  vast  amount  of  travel, 
were  entirely  unknown  forty  years  ago.  A  journey  of 
two  hundred  miles  then  involved  greater  perplexity 
and  required  nearly  as  much  preparation,  and  was  cer- 
tainly attended  with  more  fatigue,  than  a  voyage  to 
England  at  the  present  day.  The  subject  of  evangel- 
izing the  heathen  in  foreign  countries  had  scarcely 
received  any  attention  in  Europe,  and  in  this  country 
there  was  not  even  a  Missionary  Society.  That  a 


22  LIFE  OF   MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

female  should  renounce  the  refinements  of  her  enlight- 
ened and  Christian  home,  and  go  thousands  of  miles 
across  unknown  oceans 

"  to  the  farthest  verge 
Of  the  green  earth,  to  distant  barbarous  climes," 

to  spend  her  life  in  an  unhealthy  climate,  among  a  race 
whose  language  was  strange  to  her  ear,  whose  customs 
were  revolting  to  her  delicacy,  and  who  might  more- 
over make  her  a  speedy  victim  to  her  zeal  in  their  be- 
half,— a  thing  so  common  now  as  to  excite  no  surprise 
and  little  interest — was  then  hardly  deemed  possible,  if, 
indeed,  the  idea  of  it  entered  the  imagination.  To 
decide  the  question  of  such  an  undertaking  as  this,  as 
well  as  another  question  affecting  her  individual  happi- 
ness through  life,  was  Miss  Hasseltine  now  summoned. 

Mr.  Judson,  a  graduate  of  Brown  University,  "  an 
ardent  and  aspiring  scholar,"  was  one  of  four  or  five 
young  men  in  the  then  newly  founded  Theological 
Seminary  at  Andover,  whose  minds  had  become  deeply 
impressed  with  the  wants  of  the  heathen,  and  a  desire 
to  go  and  labor  among  them.  By  their  earnestness  and 
perseverance,  they  so  far  awakened  an  interest  in  their 
project,  that  a  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign 
Missions  was  appointed,  and  the  young  men  were  set 
apart  as  missionaries.  During  the  two  years  in  which 


LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  23 

Mr.  Judson  and  his  associates  were  employed  in  efforts 
to  accomplish  this  result,  he  had  formed  an  acquain- 
tance with  Miss  Hasseltine,  and  made  her  an  offer  of 
his  hand.  That  he  had  no  wish  to  blind  her  to  the 
extent  of  the  sacrifices  she  would  make  in  accepting 
him,  his  manly  and  eloquent  Jettor  to  her  father,  asking 
his  daughter  in  marriage,  abundantly  proves.  He  says  : 
"  I  have  now  to  ask  whether  you  can  consent  to  part 
with  your  daughter  early  next  spring,  to  see  her  no 
more  in  this  world  ;  whether  you  can  consent  to  her 
departure  for  a  heathen  land,  and  her  subjection  to  the 
hardships  and  sufferings  of  a  missionary  life ;  whether 
you  can  consent  to  her  exposure  to  the  dangers  of  the 
ocean ;  to  the  fatal  influence  of  the  southern  climate 
of  India ;  to  every  kind  of  want  and  distress ;  to  degra- 
dation, insult,  persecution,  and  perhaps  a  violent  death  ? 
Can  you  consent  to  all  this  for  the  sake  of  Him  who 
left  his  heavenly  home,  and  died  for  her  and  for  you  ; 
for  the  sake  of  perishing  immortal  souls  ;  for  the  sake 
of  Zion  and  the  glory  of  God  ?  Can  you  consent  to  all 
this  in  hope  of  soon  meeting  your  daughter  in  the  world 
of  glory,  with  a  crown  of  righteousness,  brightened  by 
the  acclamations  of  praise  which  shall  redound  to  her 
Saviour  from  heathens  saved,  through  her  means,  from 
eternal  woe  and  despair  ?" 

The  writer  of  this  letter,  who,  after  nearly  forty  years 
of  missionary  labor  in  which  he  endured  all  and  more 


24  LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

than  all  he  has  thus  almost  prophetically  described,  has 
just  gone  to  join  "  the  noble  army  of  martyrs"  and 
"  those  who  came  out  of  great  tribulation,"  in  his  final 
home, — as  he  looks  back  on  the  hour  when  he  thus 
gave  up  his  life  and  what  was  more  precious  than  life 
to  the  service  of  those  souls,  dear  as  he  believed  to  the 
Redeemer,  though  perishing  for  lack  of  vision, — with 
what  deep  and  serene  joy  must  he  contemplate  the 
sacrifice  !  And  she — 

"  Not  lost,  but  gone  before," 

who  was  there  to  meet  and  welcome  him  to 

"  happier  bowers  than  Eden  knew," 

where  they  rest  from  their  labors,  does  she  now  regret 
that  to  his  solemn  appeal,  she  answered,  "  I  will  go  ?" 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Judson  were  married  at  Bradford  on 
the  fifth  of  February,  1812,  and  on  the  nineteenth  ol 
the  same  month  embarked  on  the  brig  Caravan,  bound 
for  Calcutta.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Newell,  also  missionaries, 
sailed  in  the  same  vessel.  We  will  here  give  some 
extracts  from  letters  written  by  Mrs.  Judson  to  hei 
friends  at  home,  dated  "  at  sea." 

To  her  sister  she  writes,  "  I  find  Mr.  Judson  one  ol 
tne  kindest,  most  faithful  and  affectionate  of  husbands, 
His  conversation  frequently  dissipates  the  gloomy 
clouds  of  spiritual  darkness  which  hang  over  my  mind. 


LIFE  OP  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  25 

and  brightens  my  hope  of  a  happy  eternity.  I  hope 
God  will  make  us  instrumental  of  preparing  each  other 
for  usefulness  in  this  world,  and  greater  happiness  in 
a  future  world." 

"June  16. — Day  before  yesterday,  we  came  in  sight 
of  land,  aftfcr  having  been  out  only  one  hundred 
and  twelve  days.  We  could  distinguish  nothing  but 
the  towering  mountains  of  Golconda.  Yesterday  we 
were  nearer  land  .  .  .  and  the  scene  was  truly  de- 
lightful, reminding  me  of  the  descriptions  I  have 
read  of  the  fertile  shores  of  India — the  groves  of 
orange  and  palm  trees.  Yesterday  we  saw  two  ves- 
sels. .  .  .  You  have  no  idea  how  interesting  the 
sight — a  vessel  at  the  side  of  us,  so  near  we  could 
hear  the  captain  speak — for  he  was  the  first  person  we 
have  heard  speak  since  we  sailed,  except  what  belong 
to  our  ship. 

"  Tuesday. — Last  night  was  the  most  dangerous, 
and  to  me,  by  far  the  most  unpleasant  we  have 
nad.  .  .  .  To-day  the  scene  is  truly  delightful.  We 
are  sailing  up  the  river  Hoogly,  a  branch  of  the  Gan- 
ges, and  so  near  the  land  that  we  can  distinctly  dis- 
cover objects.  On  one  side  of  us  are  the  Sunderbunds, 
(islands  at  the  mouth  of  the  Ganges.)  The  smell  which 
proceeds  from  them  is  fragrant  beyond  description. 

"  Wednesday.  ...  On  each   side  of  the   Hoogly, 

are  the   Hindoo  cottages,  as   thick  together  as   the 

B 


26  LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

houses  in  our  seaports.  They  are  very  small,  and 
in  the  form  of  hay-stacks,  without  either  chimneys  or 
windows.  They  are  situated  in  the  midst  of  tree? 
which  hang  over  them  and  appear  truly  romantic.  Th,<? 
grass  and  fields  of  rice  are  perfectly  green,  and  herds 
of  cattle  are  everywhere  feeding  on  the  banks  of 
the  river,  and  the  natives  are  scattered  about,  .  .  . 
some  fishing,  some  driving  the  team,  and  some  sitting 
indolently  on  the  bank  of  the  river.  The  pagodas  we 
have  passed  are  much  handsomer  and  larger  than 
the  houses.  There  are  many  English  seats  near  the 
shore.  .  .  .  Oh,  what  reason  we  have  to  be  thankful 
for  so  pleasant  and  prosperous  a  voyage.  .  .  . 

"  Well,  sister,  we  are  safe  in  Calcutta  harbor,  and 
almost  stunned  with  the  noise  of  the  natives.  Mr. 
Judson  has  gone  on  shore  to  find  a  place  for  us  to  go. 
The  city  is  by  far  the  most  elegant  of  any  I  have  evei 
seen.  Many  ships  are  lying  at  anchor,  and  hundreds 
of  natives  all  around.  They  are  dressed  very  curi- 
ously— their  white  garments  hanging  loosely  over  their 
hhoulders.  But  I  have  not  time  to  describe  anything 
at  present. 

"  Thursday. — Harriet  and  I  are  yet  on  board  the 
vessel,    and  have   not  been   on   land.      Mr.  Judson 
has   not    yet   gained   permission    for    us    to   live   in 
the  country.     He  and  Mr.  Newell  are  gone  again  to 
day,  and  what  will  be  their  success  I  know  not. 


LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.   JUDSON.  27 

East  India  Company  are  violently  opposed  to  missions, 
and  have  barely  given  permission  to  their  own  coun- 
trymen to  settle  here  as  preachers.  We  have  nothing 
to  expect  from  man,  and  everything  from  God.  .  .  . 
If  God  has  anything  for  us  to  do  here,  he  will  doubt- 
less open  a  door  for  our  entrance,  if  not  he  will  send 
us  to  some  other  place  " 


CHAPTER 


men  ARRIVAL  AT  CALCUTTA.  -  DIFFICULTIES  "WITH  THE  BENGAL  GOVEBH- 
MENT.  -  VOYAGE  TO  THE  ISLE  OF  FRANCE.  -  DEATH  OF  MRS.  NEWELL.— 
CHANGE  OF  SENTIMENTS.  -  VOYAGE  TO  RANGOON. 

MR.  and  Mrs.  Judson  landed  at  Calcutta  on  the  18th 
of  June,  1812,  and  were  hospitably  received  by  tn? 
venerable  Dr.  Carey,  who  immediately  conducted  them 
to  his  home  in  Serampore.  There  they  found  a  de 
lightful  mission  family,  consisting  of  Messrs.  Carey 
Marshman  and  Ward,  with  their  wives  and  children, 
who  welcomed  them  most  cordially,  and  invited  them 
to  remain  until  the  arrival  of  their  brother  missiona- 
ries. Of  the  arrangements  in  this  truly  Christian  family 
—  the  schools,  the  religious  exercises,  the  cultivation 
of  the  gardens  belonging  to  the  establishment,  and  the 
instruction  communicated  to  the  natives,  they  express 
themselves  in  the  highest  terms  of  eulogy. 

Hitherto  the  course  of  our  missionaries  in  their  en- 
terprise had  indeed  run  smooth,  and  they  had  begun 
to  flatter  themselves  that  they  had  over-estimated  the 
trials  and  dangers  of  the  life  they  had  chosen  ;  but  sad 
reverses  awaited  them.  They  had  been  in  Serampore 


LIFE  OF   MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  29 

but  ten  days,  when  Messrs.  Judson  and  Newell  were 
summoned  to  Calcutta,  where  an  order  from  govern- 
ment was  read  to  them,  commanding  them  immediately 
to  leave  the  country,  and  return  to  America.  The 
British  East  India  Company  were  at  that  time  un- 
friendly to  missions,  and  especially  intolerant  to  mis- 
sionaries from  America.  The  idea  of  returning,  with- 
out  effecting  the  object  for  which  they  had  left  their 
native  land,  was  too  painful  to  be  endured  by  the  mis 
sionaries,  and  they  immediately  attempted  to  gain  per- 
mission to  go  to  some  country  not  under  the  company's 
jurisdiction. — Burmah,  the  field  to  which  they  had  been 
assigned  by  their  brethren  at  home,  seemed,  for  various 
reasons,  utterly  inaccessible  ;  but  they  finally  got  leave 
to  take  passage  in  a  ship  bound  for  the  Isle  of  France. 
The  vessel  would,  however,  accommodate  but  two 
passengers,  and  the  health  of  Mrs.  Newell  requiring 
that  she  should  be  in  a  place  of  quiet,  it  was  agreed 
that  she  and  her  husband  should  embark  in  it.  For 
three  months  the  rest  of  their  company  remained  in 
Calcutta,  watched  with  jealousy  by  the  British  Gov- 
ernment, but  unable  to  find  a  vessel  to  convey  them 
away.  At  length  they  had  peremptory  orders  to  em- 
bark in  a  vessel  bound  to  England.  All  hope  of  escape 
seemed  now  cut  off,  when  Mr.  Judson  accidentally 
learned  that  a  ship  was  about  sailing  for  the  Isle  of 
France.  They  applied  for  a  passport  to  go  on  board 


80  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

of  her,  but  were  refused.  They  informed  the  captain 
of  the  vessel  of  their  circumstances,  and  were  allowed 
to  go  on  board  without  a  pass.  They  had  got  but  a 
few  miles  down  the  river,  however,  when  a  govern- 
ment despatch  overtook  them,  commanding  the  pilot 
to  conduct  the  ship  no  further,  as  there  were  per- 
sons on  board  who  had  been  ordered  to  England. 

By  advice  of  the  captain,  the  missionaries  left  the 
ship,  and  went  on  shore,  while  the  pilot  wrote  a  certi- 
ficate that  no  such  persons  were  on  board.  The  cap- 
tain being  angry  at  the  attention  of  his  vessel,  ordered 
them  to  take  their  baggage  from  it  immediately,  but  at 
length  consented  to  let  it  remain  on  board  until  he 
should  reach  a  tavern  sixteen  miles  further  down  the 
river.  Mrs.  Judson  also  remained  in  the  ship  until  it 
came  opposite  the  tavern,  "  where,"  she  says,  "  the  pilot 
kindly  lent  me  his  boat  and  a  servant  to  go  on  shore. 
I  immediately  procured  a  large  boat  to  send  to  the  ship 
for  our  baggage.  I  entered  the  tavern  a  stranger,  a 
female  and  unprotected.  I  called  for  a  room  and  sat 
down  to  reflect  on  my  disconsolate  situation.  I  had 
nothing  with  me  but  a  few  rupees.  I  did  not  know 
that  the  boat  which  I  had  sent  after  the  vessel  would 
overtake  :t,  and  if  it  did,  whether  it  would  ever  return 
with  our  baggage  ;  neither  did  I  know  where  Mr.  Jud- 
son was,  or  when  he  would  come,  or  with  what  treat- 
ment I  should  meet  at  the  tavern.  I  thought  of  home 


LIFE  OF  MKS.   AUN  H.   JUDSON.  81 

and  said  to  myself.  These  are  some  of  the  trials  at- 
tendant upon  a  missionary  life,  and  which  I  have  an- 
ticipated. In  a  few  hours  Mr.  J.  arrived,  and  toward 
night  our  baggage/' 

After  two  or  three  days  of  great  perplexity  and  dis- 
tress, and  when  they  had  given  up  all  hope  of  being 
able  to  proceed  to  the  Isle  of  France,  they  unexpect- 
edly received  from  an  unknown  friend  a  magistrate's 
pass  to  go  on  board  the  Creole,  the  vessel  they  had  left. 
Their  only  difficulty  now  was  that  she  had  probably 
got  out  to  sea,  as  it  was  three  days  since  they  had  left 
her.  However  they  hastened  down  the  river  seventy 
miles,  to  Saugur,  where,  among  many  ships  at  anchor, 
they  had  the  inexpressible  happiness  to  find  the  Creole, 
on  which  they  embarked  for  the  Isle  of  France,  their 
first  destination. 

Their  dangers  on  the  passage  to  the  *le  of  France 
were  great,  the  vessel  being  old  and  leaky ;  and  when 
they  reached  there,  they  found  little  encouragement  to 
remain.  While  on  the  island,  Mrs.  J.  had  a  severe 
attack  of  illness,  as  well  as  much  depression  of  spirits 
from  the  uncertainties  of  their  situation.  After  much 
deliberation  they  determined  to  establish  themselves  on 
an  island  near  Malacca,  to  reach  which  they  must  first 
go  to  Madras,  and  they  accordingly  sailed  for  that 
place.  War  having  broken  out  between  England  and 
America,  the  hostility  of  the  East  India  Directors  to 


32  LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

American  missionaries  was  of  course  much  increased, 
so  that  it  would  be  impossible  for  them  to  make  any  stop 
at  all  in  Madras,  without  incurring  the  danger  of  being 
sent  back  to  America.  What,  then,  was  their  distress 
on  their  arrival  there,  to  find  no  ship  bound  for  the 
island  they  wished  to  visit !  Their  way  seemed  en- 
tirely hedged  up,  for  the  only  vessel  in  Madras  harbor 
ready  for  sea,  was  destined  to  Burmah,  a  country  pro- 
nounced by  all  their  friends  in  India,  utterly  inacces- 
sible. 

In  her  journal,  at  this  time,  Mrs.  J.  writes :  "  Oh, 
our  heavenly  Father,  direct  us  aright  I  Where  wilt 
thou  have  us  to  go  ?  What  wilt  thou  have  us  to  do  ? 
Our  only  hope  is  in  thee,  and  to  thee  only  do  we  look 
for  protection.  Oh,  let  this  mission  live  before  thee !" 
"  To-morrow,"  she  adds,  at  a  somewhat  later  date,  "we 
expect  to  embark  for  Rangoon,  (in  Burmah.)  Adieu 
to  -polished,  refined,  Christian  society.  Our  lot  is  not 
cast  among  you,  but  among  pagans,  among  barbarians, 
whose  tender  mercies  are  cruel.  Indeed,  we  volunta- 
rily forsake  you,  and  for  Jesus'  sake  choose  the  latter 
for  our  associates.  O  may  we  be  prepared  for  the 
pure  and  polished  society  of  heaven,  composed  of  the 
followers  of  the  Lamb,  whose  robes  have  been  washed 
in  his  blood !" 

Everything  combined  to  render  the  passage  to  Ran- 
goon unpleasant  and  perilous; — sickness,  threatened 


LITE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  38 

shipwreck,  and  the  want  of  all  comforts; — but  at  length 
on  the  14th  of  July,  1813,  about  eighteen  months  from 
the  time  they  left  Salem,  in  Massachusetts,  they  set 
their  '  weary,  wandering  feet'  on  that  shore  which  was 
to  be  their  future  home. 

Among  the  depressing  circumstances  that  had  oc- 
curred in  this  gloomy  period,  not  the  least  painful  was 
the  death  of  JNlrs.  Judson's  early  friend,  and  compan- 
ion in  her  eastern  voyage,  Mrs.  Harriet  Newell.  Of 
'ess  mental  and  physical  vigor  than  Mrs.  Judson,  this 
amiable  and  ardent  Christian  had  gladly  relinquished 
all  other  objects  in  life,  for  that  of  sharing  the  priva- 
tions and  soothing  the  cares  of  a  husband  to  whom 
she  was  tenderly  attached,  in  his  labors  among  the 
heathen.  But  this  privilege  was  denied  her ;  she  was 
not  even  permitted  to  reach  a  scene  of  missionary 
iabor.  Her  heart-broken  husband  was  compelled  to 
bury  her  in  a  far  distant  isle  of  the  ocean,  and  finish 
his  short  earthly  course  alone.  But  he  lived  to  see  the 
grave  of  that  young  martyr  missionary  visited  by 
many  pilgrim  feet,  and  her  name  embalmed  in  many 
admiring  hearts. 

How  keenly  Mrs.  Judson  felt  her  loss,  may  be  learn- 
ed from  a  letter  written  from  the  Isle  of  France, 
whither  she  and  her  husband  went  on  being  driven 
from  Calcutta  : — "  Have  at  last  arrived  in  port ;  but 
oh,  what  news,  what  distressing  news!  Harriet  is 

3  B' 


34  LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN   H.   JUDSON. 

':* 

dead.  Harriet,  my  dear  friend,  my  earliest  associate 
in  the  mission,  is  no  more.  Oh  death,  could  not  this 
wide  world  afford  thee  victims  enough,  but  thou  must 
enter  the  family  of  a  solitary  few  whose  comfort  and 
happiness  depended  so  much  on  the  society  of  each 
other.?  Could  not  this  infant  mission  be  shielded 
from  thy  shafts !"  "  But  be  still,  my  heart,  and  know 
that  God  has  done  it.  Just  and  true  are^thy  ways,  oh 
thou  King  of  saints !"  .  v  .„ , 

Another  heavy  trial,  was  the  separation  of  herself 
and  husband  from  the  church  in  which  they  were  both 
educated,  from  the  missionary  association  on  which 
they  depended  for  support,  and  from  the  sympathies 
of  those  Christians  in  their  native  land  who  had 
hitherto  given  them  the  most  cordial  encouragement 
in  their  enterprise.  This  separation  was  in  conse- 
quence of  a  change  in  their  sentiments  in  regard  to 
baptism.  So  liberal  has  the  church  become  at  this 
day,  that  all  now  look  upon  this  change  as  having  de- 
cidedly advanced  the  cause  of  missions  by  enlisting  a 
large  and  respectable  body  of  Christians  in  this  coun- 
try, not  hitherto  engaged  in  it.  But  in  1813,  a  step 
like  this  on  the  part  of  beneficiaries  of  the  Board, 
could  not  but  be  regarded  with  much  disfavor  and 
prejudice,  render  those  who  had  taken  it  highly  un- 
popular, and  even  subject  their  motives  to  unworthy 
imputations.  Whatever  may  be  thought  of  the  sound- 


LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN.   H.   JUDtfON.  35 

ness  of  their  new  views,  therefore,  there  is  not  the 
shadow  of  a  reason  to  doubt  their  conscientiousness  in 
adopting  them.  That  they  did  it  in  the  face  of  every 
worldly  motive,  their  letters  and  journals  abundantly 
prove.  Mrs.  Judson  writes :  "  It  is  extremely  trying 
to  reflect  on  the  consequences  of  our  becoming  Bap- 
tists. We  must  make  some  very  painful  sacrifices." 
"  We  must  be  separated  from  our  dear  missionary  as- 
sociates, and  labor  alone  in  some  isolated  spot.  We 
must  expect  to  be  treated  with  contempt,  and  to  be 
cast  off  by  many  of  our  American  friends — forfeit  the 
character  we  have  in  our  native  land,  and  probably 
have  to  labor  for  our  own  support  wherever  we  are 
stationed."  "  These  things  are  very  trying  to  us,  and 
cause  our  hearts  to  bleed  for  anguish — we  feel  that 
we  have  no  home  in  this  world,  and  no  friend  but  each 
other."  "A  renunciation  of  our  former  sentiments 
has  caused  us  more  pain  than  anything  which  ever 
happened  to  us  through  our  lives." 

Thus  "  perplexed  but  not  in  despair,  cast  down  but 
not  destroyed,"  they  reached  Rangoon,  then  the  capi- 
tal of  the  Burman  Empire,  and  established  themselves 
ji  what  they  regarded  as  their  future  home.  Here, 
'  remote,  unfriended"  and  solitary — "  reft  of  every 
stay  but  Heaven" — they  were  destined  to  pass  nearly 
two  years,  before  their  hearts  could  be  cheered  by  the 
intelligence  from  America,  of  the  general  interest 


36  LIFE   OF  MES.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

awakened  for  them  there  in  the  denomination  wu/1 
which  they  had  connected  themselves;  and  the  for- 
mation of  a  Baptist  Board  of  Missions,  which  had  ap- 
pointed them  its  Missionaries.  Of  one  thing,  however, 
they  must  have  felt  sure,  that  they  were  conducted 
there  by  the  special  providence  of  God.  The  honor 
of  commencing  the  Burman  Mission,  says  Prof.  Gam- 
mell,  "  is  to  be  ascribed  rather  to  the  Divine  Head  of 
the  Church,  than  to  any  leading  movement  or  agency 
of  the  Baptist  denomination.  The  way  was  prepared 
and  the  field  was  opened  by  God  alone,  and  it  only 
remained  for  true-hearted  laborers  to  enter  in  and 
prosecute  the  noble  work  to  which  they  had  been  sum 
moned." 


CHAPTER  IV. 

DESCRIPTION  OF  BUKMAH. ITS  BOUNDARIES,  RIVERS,  CLIMATE,  SOIL,  FBtJT** 

AND   FLOWERS. B0EMAN    PEOPLE. — THEIR    DRESS,    HOUSES,   FOOD,    GOV- 
ERNMENT  AND   RELIGION. 

THE  Burman  Empire  being  thus  the  place  to  which 
the  feet  of  the  first  "  bringers  of  good  tidings"  from 
America  were  so  signally  directed,  and  having  been 
now,  for  nearly  forty  years,  missionary  ground  of  the 
most  interesting  character,  it  is  proper  to  pause  her& 
and  give  something  more  than  a  passing  glance  at  it& 
natural  features,  its  government  and  religion,  and  the 
character  of  its  population.  For  information  on  these 
points  we  are  indebted  chiefly  to  the  researches  of  the 
Rev.  Howard  Malcom. 

Burmah,  or  the  Burman  Empire,  lies  between  the 
Salwen  river  on  the  east,  and  the  Burrampooter  on  the 
northwest  and  north,  while  its  western  and  southern 
shores  are  washed  by  the  great  bay  of  Bengal,  which 
separates  it  from  the  peninsula  of  Hindustan.  Besides 
the  noble  rivers  which  form  its  eastern  and  north- 
western boundaries,  its  entire  length  from  north  to  south 
is  traversed  by  tlie  Irrawaddy,  which  after  a  course  of 


88  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

1200  miles,  empties  by  many  mouths  into  the  Bay  of 
Bengal.  Its  territory  is  generally  so  much  elevated 
above  the  level  of  the  sea,  that  it  enjoys,  though  in  the 
torrid  zone,  a  comparatively  salubrious  and  temperate 
climate.  The  heat  is  rarely  excessive  ;  while  winter 
in  our  sense  of  the  word,  is  unknown. 

"  The  general  features  of  a  country  so  extensive. 
are,  of  course,  widely  diversified.  It  may  be  said  of  it 
as  a  whole,  in  the  language  of  Dr.  Hamilton,  that  in 
fertility,  beauty  and  grandeur  of  scenery,  and  in  the 
variety,  value,  and  elegance  of  its  natural  productions, 
it  is  equalled  by  few  on  earth." 

In  the  parts  of  the  country  lying  near  the  sea  there 
are  two  seasons,  the  wet  and  the  dry.  About  the  10th 
of  May  showers  commence,  and  increase  in  frequency, 
until,  in  the  latter  part  of  June,  it  begins  to  rain  almost 
daily,  and  this  continues  until  the  middle  of  September. 
Heavy  rains  then  cease,  but  showers  continue,  dimin- 
ishing in  frequency  until  the  middle  of  October,  when 
"  the  air  is  cool,  the  country  verdant,  fruits  innumera- 
ble, and  everything  in  nature  gives  delight."  Even 
in  the  rainy  season,  the  sun  shines  out  a  part  of  the 
day,  so  that  the  rankest  vegetation  covers  everything; 
even  walls  and  buildings,  unless  smoothly  coated  with 
plaster,  are  not  exempt  from  grass  and  weeds.  Of  the 
climate  during  the  warmest  portion  of  the  year,  Dr. 
Malcom  thus  writes :  "  I  have  now  passed  the  ordeal 


LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON.  39 

of  the  entire  hot  season,  and  of  nothing  am  I  more 
convinced,  both  from  experience  and  observation,  than 
that  the  climate  is  as  salubrious  and  pleasant  as  any 
other  in  the  world.  I  have  suffered  much  more  from 
heat  in  Italy,  and  even  in  Philadelphia,  than  I  have 
ever  done  here ;  and  have  never  found  a  moment 
when  I  could  not  be  perfectly  comfortable  by  silting 
still.  To  go  abroad  at  mid-day,  is,  however,  for  any 
but  natives,  eminently  hazardous." 

The  soil,  in  the  maritime  provinces,  is  represented 
as  unsurpassed  in  fertility,  and  under  the  imperfect 
cultivation  of  the  natives,  yields  from  eighty  to  a  hun- 
dred fold,  and  sometimes  more. 

The  heights  are  crowned  with  forests,  while  the  low 
lands  are  jungle,  that  is,  "  a  region  of  many  trees,  but 
scattered ;  with  much  undergrowth  ;"  and  the  haunt 
of  tigers  and  other  wild  animals. 

The  fruit-trees  are  numerous,  and  of  names  and 
kinds  unknown  in  America.  There  is  found  the  man- 
gosteen,  with  a  fruit  said  by  travellers  to  be  the  most 
delicious  in  the  world ;  the  noble  mango,  growing  to 
the  height  of  one  hundred  feet,  and  of  vast  diameter, 
and  bearing  as  great  a  variety  of  delicious  fruit  as 
the  apple-tree  does  with  us ;  the  cocoa-nut,  whose 
fruit  we  are  acquainted  with,  and  whose  husk  is  formed 
into  excellent  cordage;  the  plantain,  that  invaluable 
blessing  to  the  natives  of  the  torrid  zone,  as  it  supplies 


40  LIFE  OP  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

them  bread  without  much  labor ;  a  circumstance  of 
mportance  in  countries  where  hard  labor  is  oppressive 
oy  reason  of  heat ;  the  splendid  tamarind,  with  wide- 
spreading  limbs,  and  a  dense  foliage  of  vivid  green, 
among  which  appear  clusters  of  beautiful  yellow  flow- 
ers, delicately  veined  with  red,  and  the  long  shining 
pods  which  contain  the  fruit ;  the  custard-apple,  with 
.is  pulpy  fruit  contained  in  a  husk  resembling  the  pine- 
apple in  shape  ;  and  the  curious  palmyra,  whose  leaves 
furnish  the  natives  with  paper,  while  its  trunk  yields  a 
liquor  much  prized  by  them  as  drink,  and  capable  of 
being  boiled  down  into  sugar,  like  the  juice  of  our 
maple. 

Hundreds  of  other  trees  might  be  named,  many  val- 
uable for  their  fruit,  others  for  their  timber,  and  some 
for  both.  Most  of  the  trees  are  evergreen,  that  is, 
few  of  them  shed  their  leaves  annually  and  at  once ; 
but  a  constant  succession  of  leaves  makes  the  forest 
always  verdant. 

Besides  the  fruits  which  grow  upon  trees,  there  is  a 
variety  of  others ;  such  as  berries,  tomatoes,  pine- 
apples, &c.;  and  among  roots  are  found  the  ginger, 
licorice,  arrow-root,  sweet-potatoe,  Irish  potatoe,  as- 
paragus, ground-nut,  &c.  The  country  abounds  in 
flowers  of  most  splendid  colors,  but  generally  deficient 
in  fragrance ;  though  some  have  a  fine  perfume. 

The  favorite  food  of  the  country  being  rice,  this 


LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.   JUDSON.  41 

is,  of  course,  the  grain  most  extensively  cultivated. 
There  are  no  farms  as  with  us;  cultivators  of  the 
soil  always  reside  in  villages,  for  mutual  protection 
against  wild  beasts  and  robbers.  Each  family  culti- 
vates a  patch  of  the  neighboring  jungle,  and  brings  the 
produce  into  the  village,  where  the  cattle  are  also 
brought  for  security.  Besides  rice,  they  cultivate 
wheat,  Indian-corn,  sugar-cane,  millet  and  indigo ;  but 
genera'ly  in  a  slovenly  and  unskilful  manner.  In  the 
dry  season,  the  land  is  watered  by  artificial  means, 
some  of  which  are  quite  ingenious. 

Of  animals  there  is,  of  course,  a  vast  variety,  one 
of  the  most  useful  of  which  is  the  buffalo,  which  is 
used  to  draw  their  carriages,  as  well  as  to  perform  the 
labor  that  the  ox  does  with  us.  Elephants  are  the 
properly  of  the  king,  but  great  men  are  allowed  to 
keep  them. 

The  birds  in  Burmah,  though  of  gay  plumage,  have 
little  melody  in  their  song; 'splendid  as  they  are,  we 
would  scarce  exchange  for  them  our  cheerful  robin 
and  merry  bobolink. 

Reptiles  and  insects,  though  numerous,  are  not  so 
troublesome  or  so  venomous  as  in  many  parts  of  the 
torrid  zone.  The  white  ant  is  perhaps  as  destructive 
as  any  other  insect,  and  the  greatest  precaution  hardly 
preserves  one  from  its  intrusion. 


42  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

The  Burmans  are,  as  a  race,  superior  to  the  Hin- 
doos, being  more  athletic  and  vigorous,  and  more 
lively  and  industrious.  They  are  less  tall  than  Amer- 
icans, their  complexions  dark,  their  noses  flat,  and 
their  lips  thick  and  full.  The  hair  is  very  abundant, 
black  and  glossy,  but  generally  rather  coarse.  "  Men 
tie  it  in  a  knot  on  the  top  of  the  head,  and  intertwine 
it  with  the  turban.  Women  turn  it  all  back,  and 
without  a  comb,  form  it  into  a  graceful  knot  behind, 
frequently  adding  chaplets  of  fragrant  natural  flowers 
strung  on  a  thread.  Both  sexes  take  great  pains  with 
their  hair,  frequently  washing  it  with  a  substance  which 
has  the  properties  of  soap,  and  keeping  it  anointed 
with  sweet  oil." 

"  The  custom  of  blacking  the  teeth  is  almost  univer- 
sal. When  asked  the  reason  of  this  custom,  the  an- 
swer is,  "  What !  should  we  have  white  teeth  like  a 
dog  or  a  monkey  ?" 

Smoking  and  chewing  are  also  universal.  Malcom 
says,  "  I  have  seen  little  creatures  of  two  or  three 
years,  stark  naked,  tottering  about  with  a  lighted  cigar 
in  their  mouth."  Tobacco  is  not  used  alone  for  these 
purposes,  but  mixed  with  several  other  substances. 

The  dress  of  the  men  is  a  cotton  cloth  about  four 
and  a  half  yards  long,  covering,  when  the  man  is  not 
at  work,  nearly  the  whole  body  in  a  graceful  manner. 
A  jacket,  with  sleeves  generally  of  white  muslia  but 


LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON.  43 

often  of  broadcloth  or  velvet,  is  sometimes  added,  espe- 
cially among  the  higher  classes.  On  the  feet,  when 
dressed,  are  worn  sandals  of  wood  or  cowhide,  cov- 
ered with  cloth,  and  held  on  by  straps,  one  of  which 
passes  over  the  instep,  the  other  over  the  great  toe. 
On  entering  a  house,  these  are  always  left  at  the  door. 

Women  wear  a  temine,  or  petticoat,  of  cotton  or 
silk,  lined  with  muslin,  extending  from  the  arm-pits  to 
the  ankles.  Over  this  is  sometimes  worn  a  jacket, 
open  in  front  with  close,  long  sleeves.  Both  sexes 
wear  ornaments  in  the  ears.  Men  wear  mustachios, 
but  pluck  out  the  beard  with  tweezers.  Women,  in 
order  to  render  their  complexions  more  fair,  rub  over 
the  face  a  delicate  yellow  powder  ;  and  they  occasion- 
ally stain  the  nails  of  the  fingers  and  toes  with  a  scar- 
let pigment.  All  ranks  are  exceedingly  fond  of  flow- 
ers, and  display  great  taste  in  arranging  them. 

The  houses  are  made  of  timbers,  or  bamboos,  set  in 
the  earth,  with  lighter  pieces  fastened  transversely 
The  sides  are  covered,  some  with  mats,  more  or  less 
substantial  and  costly,  others  with  thatch,  fastened 
with  split  ratans.  The  roof  is  very  ingeniously  made 
and  fastened  on,  and  is  a  perfect  security  against  wind 
and  rain.  The  floor  is  of  split  cane,  elevated  a  few 
feet  from  the  earth,  which  secures  ventilation  and 
cleanliness.  The  windows  and  doors  are  of  mat, 
strengthened  with  a  frame  of  bamboo,  and  strongly 


44  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

fastened  at  the  top.  When  open  they  are  propped  up 
\\uth  a  bamboo,  and  form  a  shade.  Of  course,  there 
are  no  chimneys.  Cooking  is  done  on  a  shallow  box 
a  yard  square,  filled  with  earth.  , 

We  must  not  judge  of  the  architectural  skill  of  the 
people  by  their  private  houses.  A  Burman  conceals 
his  wealth  with  as  much  care  as  we  exhibit  ours,  for  a 
display  of  it  only  subjects  him  to  extortion  from  the 
officers  of  government.  Malcom  describes  some  of 
their  zayats,  pagodas  and  bridges,  especially  in  and 
near  Ava,  as  truly  noble. 

Rice  may  be  said  to  be  the  universal  food.  It  is 
generally  eaten  with  a  nice  curry,  and  sauces  of  vari- 
ous vegetables  are  added.  Wheat  is  not  made  into 
bread  by  the  natives,  but  boiled  like  rice.  Its  name 
in  Burmah  is  "  foreigner's  rice,"  which  shows  it  is  not 
native  to  the  country. 

The  natural  good  traits  of  the  Burman  charactei 
are  almost  rendered  nugatory  by  their  religion,  and 
the  oppressive  nature  of  their  government.  The  latter 
is  an  absolute  despotism.  The  king  has  a  nominal 
council  with  whom  he  may  advise,  but  whose  advice 
he  may,  if  he  chooses,  treat  with  utter  contempt.  It  is 
not,  however,  the  direct  oppression  of  the  monarch 
that  causes  most  suffering  among  his  subjects.  It  is 
rather  that  of  the  inferior  officers  of  government 


LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON.  45 

whose  rapacity  and  extortion  renders  property,  liberty, 
and  life  itself  insecure.  Deceit,  fraud  *ind  lying  are 
the  natural,  if  not  necessary  consequences  of  a  system 
which  leaves  the  people  entirely  at  the  mercy  of  those 
who  bear  rule  over  them. 

The  religion  is  Buddhism,  one  of  the  most  ancient 
and  wide-spread  superstitions  existing  on  the  face  of 
the  earth.  Its  sacred  Divinity,  or  Buddh,  is  Gaudama, 
who  has  passed  into  a  state  of  eternal  and  uncon- 
scious repose,  which  they  consider  the  summit  of  feli- 
city ;  but  which  seems  to  us  to  differ  little  from  anni- 
hilation. Images  of  this  god  are  the  chief  objects  of 
worship.  These  are  found  in  every  house,  and  are 
•enshrined  in  pagodas  and  temples,  and  in  sacred  caves 
which  appear  to  have  been  used  from  time  immemo- 
rial for  religious  purposes.  The  wealth  and  labor  be- 
stowed on  the  latter  show  how  great  the  population 
must  have  been  in  former  ages.  Dr.  Malcom  de- 
scribes one  cave  on  the  Salwen,  which  is  wholly  filled 
with  images  of  every  size,  while  the  whole  face  of  the 
mountain  for  ninety  feet  above  the  cave  is  incrusted 
with  them.  "  On  every  jutting  crag  stands  some  mar-' 
ble  image  covered  with  gold,  and  spreading  its  uncouth 
froportions  to  the  setting  sun.  Every  recess  is  con- 
verted into  shrines  for  others.  But  imposing  as  is  this 
spectacle,  it  shrinks  into  insignificance  compared  with 
the  scene  presented  on  entering  the  cavern  itself.  It 


46  LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

is  of  vast  size,  and  needs  no  human  art  to  render  it 
sublime.  The  eye  is  confused  and  the  heart  appalled 
at  the  prodigious  exhibition  of  infatuation  and  folly. 
Everywhere  —  on  the  floor,  over  head  and  on  every 
jutting  point,  are  crowded  together  images  of  Gauda- 
ma — the  offerings  of  successive  ages.  A  ship  of  five 
hundred  tons  could  not  carry  away  the  half  of  them." 

Pagodas  are  innumerable.  In  the  inhabited  parts 
there  is  scarcely  a  peak,  bank,  or  swelling  hill,  un- 
crowned by  one  of  these  structures.  In  general,  they 
are  almost  solid,  without  door  or  window,  and  contain 
some  supposed  relic  of  Gaudama. 

The  religious  system  of  the  Burmans  contains  many 
excellent  moral  precepts  and  maxims,  which,  however, 
being  without  sanction  or  example,  are  utterly  power- 
less to  mould  the  character  of  the  people  to  wisdom  or 
virtue. 

A  curious  feature  of  Buddhism  is,  that  one  of  the 
highest  motives  it  presents  to  its  followers  is  the  "  ob- 
taining of  merit."  Merit  is  obtained  by  avoiding  sins, 
such  as  theft,  lying,  intoxication,  and  the  like ;  and  by 
practising  virtues  and  doing  good  works.  The  most 
meritorious  of  all  good  works  is  to  make  an  idol ;  the 
next  to  build  a  pagoda.  It  confers  high  merit,  also,  to 
build  a  zayat,  to  transcribe  the  sacred  books,  to  erect 
any  useful  public  edifice,  to  dig  public  wells,  or  to  plant 
shade  or  fruit-trees  by  the  wayside.  If  they  give 


LIFE   OF  MBS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON.  47 

alms,  or  treat  animals  kindly,  or  repeat  prayers,  or  do 
any  other  good  deed,  they  do  it  entirely  with  this  mer~ 
cenary  view  of  obtaining  merit.  This  "  merit"  is  not 
so  much  to  procure  them  happiness  in  another  world, 
as  to  secure  them  from  suffering  in  their  future  trans- 
migrations in  this ;  for  they  believe  that  the  soul  ol 
one  who  dies  without  having  laid  up  any  merit,  will 
have  to  pass  into  the  body  of  some  mean  reptile  or 
insect,  and  from  that  to  another,  through  hundreds  of 
changes,  perhaps,  before  it  will  be  allowed  again  to 
take  the  form  of  man. 

This  reliance  on  '  merit,'  and  certainty  of  obtaining 
it  through  prescribed  methods,  fosters  their  conceit,  so 
that  ignorant  and  debased  as  they  are,  "  there  is 
scarcely  a  nation  more  offensively  proud."  It  also 
renders  them  entirely  incapable  of  doing  or  appreciat- 
ing a  disinterested  action,  or  of  feeling  such  a  senti- 
ment as  gratitude.  If  you  do  them  a  favor,  they  sup- 
pose you  do  it  to  obtain  merit  for  yourself,  and  of 
course  feel  no  obligation  to  you ;  the  simple  phrase, 
"  I  thank  you,"  is  unknown  in  their  language. 

Like  the  ancient  Romans,  the  Burmans  believe  in 
dreams,  omens,  and  unlucky  days ;  observe  the  flight 
and  feeding  of  fowls,  the  howl  of  dogs,  and  the  aspect 
of  the  stars ;  they  regard  the  lines  in  the  hand,  the 
knots  in  trees,  and  a  thousand  other  fortuitous  cir- 


48  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JDDSON. 

cumstances,  and  by  these  allow  their  actions  to  be 
governed. 

The  priesthood  in  Burmah  is  arranged  into  a  regu- 
lar hierarchy.  The  highest  functionary  is  a  kind  of 
archbishop,  who  presides  over  all  the  other  priests  in 
the  empire,  and  appoints  the  presidents  of  the  monas- 
teries. He  resides  at  the  imperial  court,  where  he 
has  a  high  rank,  and  is  considered  one  of  the  greatest 
men  in  the  kingdom.  Below  him  are  various  ranks 
of  priests,  each  having  his  appointed  sphere  and  appro- 
priate duties,  and  all  supported  by  the  so-called  volun- 
tary contributions  of  the  people.  The  number  of 
priests  is  exceedingly  great,  and  their  sway  over  the 
minds  of  the  people  almost  unlimited. 

"  But  great  and  potent  as  the  priests  of  Buddh  are," 
says  a  writer  in  the  Foreign  Quarterly  Review,  "  there 
is  a  kind  of  sacred  personage  still  greater  than  the 
highest  of  them,  and  next  in  rank  to  the  sovereign ; 
this  is  no  other  than  that  diseased  animal,  the  White 
Elephant,  far  more  highly  venerated  here  than  in 
Siam.  The  creature  is  supposed  by  the  Burmans  to 
lodge  within  its  carcass  a  blessed  soul  of  some  human 
being,  which  has  arrived  at  the  last  stage  of  the  many 
millions  of  transmigrations  it  was  doomed  to  undergo, 
and  which,  when  it  escapes,  will  be  absorbed  into  the 
essence  of  the  Deity."  This  most  sacred  personage 
has  a  regular  cabinet  composed  of  a  prime  minister, 


LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON.  49 

secretary  of  state,  transmitter  of  intelligence,  &c., 
possesses  estates  in  various  parts  of  the  country,  and 
receives  handsome  presents  from  foreign  ambassadors. 
His  residence  is  contiguous  to  the  royal  palace,  and 
connected  with  it  by  a  long  open  gallery,  at  the  fur- 
ther end  of  which  a  curtain  of  black  velvet  embossed 
with  gold,  conceals  his  august  person  from  vulgar 
eyes.  His  dwelling  is  a  lofty  hall  splendidly  gilded, 
and  supported  by  sixty-four  pillars,  to  four  of  which 
he  is  chained  with  massive  silver  chains.  His  bed  is 
a  thick  mattress,  covered  with  blue  cloth,  over  which 
is  a  softer  one  of  crimson  silk.  His  trappings  are 
magnificent,  being  gold,  studded  with  diamonds,  sap- 
phires, rubies,  and  other  precious  stones ;  his  betel-box, 
spittoon,  and  the  vessel  out  of  which  he  feeds,  are  of 
gold  inlaid  with  precious  stones.  His  attendants,  ac- 
cording to  Hamilton,  from  whom  we  take  a  part  of 
this  description,  amount  to  over  a  thousand  persons. 

"  Buddhism  in  its  moral  precepts  is  perhaps  the  best 
religion  ever  invented  by  man.  The  difficulty  is,  its 
entire  basis  is  false.  It  is  a  religion  of  Atheism.  In- 
stead of  a  Heavenly  Father  forgiving  sin,  and  filial 
service  from  a  pure  heart,  as  the  effect  of  love — it  pre- 
sents nothing  to  love,  for  its  Deity  is  dead  ;  nothing  as 
the  ultimate  object  of  action  but  self;  and  nothing  for 
man's  highest  and  holiest  ambition  but  annihilation." 

"  Their  doctrine  of  merit,  leaves  no  place  for  holi- 


50  LIFE  OF   MRS.   ANN  H.   JtJDSON. 

ness,  and  destroys  gratitude  either  to  God  or  man."  It 
also  ministers  to  the  grossest  pride,  for  the  very  fact 
of  his  being  now  a  man,  assures  the  Buddhist  that  in 
numberless  former  unremembered  transmigrations,  he 
must  have  acquired  incalculable  merit,  or  he  would 
not  now  occupy  so  distinguished  a  rank  in  the  scale  of 
being. 

Their  system  of  balancing  evil  with  good,  reduces 
all  sin  to  a  thing  of  little  importance.  "  If  any  man  sin" 
in  Burmah,  his  religion  tells  him  of  no  "  advocate  with 
the  Father,"  on  whose  altar  he  may  lay  the  tribute  of 
a  believing,  penitent,  obedient  and  grateful  heart ;  but 
instead,  it  tells  him  he  may  repeat  a  form  of  words,  he 
may  feed  a  priest,  he  may  build  a  pagoda,  he  may 
carve  an  idol,  and  thus  balance  his  iniquity  with  merit. 
If  any  man  suffer  in  Burmah,  his  religion  points  him 
4o  no  place  where  "  the  wicked  cease  from  troubling, 
and  the  weary  are  at  rest,"  and  where  "  God  himself 
will  wipe  away  all  tears  from  all  faces  ;"  but  it  dictates 
a  proud  submission  to  unalterable  fate,  and  flatters  him 
that  his  sufferings  here  may  purchase  immunity  from 
torment  in  some  unknown  future  existence ;  and  finally 
if  any  man  die,  in  Burmah,  his  religion  tells  him  of  no 
Saviour  who  has  "  passed  through  the  grave  and 
blessed  the  bed,"  and  "  swallowed  up  death  in  victory ;" 
but  it  threatens  degradation,  perhaps  into  a  soulless 
brute  ;  or  at  best,  a  place  of  expiatory  misery ; — in 


LIFE  OF  MBS.  AXK  H.   JUDSON.  51 

short,  "living  or  dying,"  the  Barman  may  be  said 
emphatically  tc  be  "  without  hope,  and  without  God  in 
the  world." 

Such  was  the  stupendous  system  of  superstition  and 
ignorance,  which  two  feeble  missionaries  armed  like 
David  when  he  met  the  Philistine  with  "  trust  in  the 
Lord  his  God,"  ventured  to  attack,  and  hoped  to 
•Una. 


CHAPTER  Y. 

EAKGOON;  LETTERS  FROM  MRS.  JUDSON. 

RANGOON,  one  of  the  chief  seaports  of  the  Burman 
Empire,  situated  on  one  of  the  numerous  mouths  of 
the  Irrawaddy,  and  having  a  splendid  harbor,  is  yet  one 
of  the  meanest,  and  most  uninteresting  cities  that  can 
well  be  imagined.  It  is  situated  in  a  flat,  marshy  plain, 
and  is  merely  a  vast  collection  of  bamboo  huts,  with 
narrow  streets,  and  here  and  there  an  ugly  building  of 
brick  or  wood,  and  would  give  a  stranger  a  most  un- 
favorable impression  of  the  noble  country  to  which  it 
is  the  entrance. 

On  their  arrival  at  this  city,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Judson 
took  up  their  abode  in  a  deserted  mission-house  just 
outside  the  wall,  which  had  formerly  been  occupied  by 
some  Baptist  missionaries  from  Serampore.  The  house 
was  large  and  not  unsuited  to  the  climate,  but  unfin- 
ished and  comfortless.  However,  it  had  a  garden  full 
of  flowers  and  fruit-trees,  and  the  scenery  around  it 
was  rural  and  pleasant.  Here  they  found  one  Christian 
female,  the  only  person  remaining  of  the  former  mis- 


LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON,  63 

sion  family,  and  she  was  a  native  of  the  country. 
Mrs.  Judson's  peculiar  trials  and  encouragements  at 
this  time  will  be  best  learned  by  extracts  from  her  let- 
ters and  journal. 

July  30,  1813,  she  writes :  "  We  felt  very  gloomy 
and  dejected  the  first  night  we  arrived,  in  view  of  our 
prospects ;  but  we  were  enabled  to  lean  on  God,  and 
to  feel  that  he  was  able  to  support  us  under  the  most 
discouraging  circumstances. 

"  The  next  morning  I  prepared  to  go  on  shore,  but 
hardly  knew  how  I  should  get  to  Mr.  Carey's  house  ; 
it  was,  however,  concluded  that  I  should  be  carried  in 
an  arm-chair ;  consequently,  when  I  landed  one*was 
provided,  through  which  were  put  two  bamboos,  and 
four  of  the  natives  took  me  on  their  shoulders.  When 
they  had  carried  me  a  little  way  into  the  town,  they 
set  me  down  under  a  shade,  when  great  numbers  of 
the  natives  gathered  round,  having  seldom  seen  an 
English  female.  Being  sick  and  weak,  I  held  my  head 
down,  which  induced  many  of  the  native  females  to 
come  very  near,  and  look  under  my  bonnet.  At  this 
I  looked  up  and  smiled,  on  which  they  set  up  a  loud 
laugh.  They  again  took  me  up  to  carry,  and  the  mul- 
titude of  natives  gave  a  shout  which  much  diverted 
us.  They  next  carried  me  to  a  place  they  call  the 
custom-house.  It  was  a  small  open  shed,  in  which 
were  seated  on  mats,  several  natives,  who  were  the 


64  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

custom-house  officers.  After  searching  Mr.  Judson 
very  closely,  they  asked  liberty  for  a  native  female  to 
search  me,  to  which  I  readily  consented.  I  was  then 
brought  to  the  mission-house,  where  I  have  nearly 
recovered  my  health." 

"  July  22. — It  is  now  a  week  since  we  arrived  here. 
My  health  is  quite  restored,  and  1  feel  much  more  con- 
tented and  happy  than  I  ever  expected  to  be  in  such  a 
situation.  I  think  I  enjoy  the  promises  of  God  in  a 
higher  degree  than  ever  before,  and  have  attained 
more  true  peace  of  mind  and  trust  in  the  Saviour. 
When  I  look  back  to  my  late  situation  in  that  wretched 
old*vessel,  without  any  accommodations — scarcely  the 
necessaries  of  life — no  physician — no  female  attend- 
ants— so  weak  that  I  could  not  move — I  hope  I  am 
deeply  sensible  of  the  kind  care  of  my  heavenly  Father 
in  carrying  me  safely  through  the  peculiar  dangers  of 
the  voyage,  and  giving  me  once  more  a  resting-place 
on  land. 

"Still,  were  it  not  for  the  support  we  derive  from  the 
gospel  of  Jesus,  we  should  be  ready  to  sink  down  in 
despondency  in  view  of  the  dark  and  gloomy  scenes 
around  us.  But  when  we  recollect  that  Jesus  has 
commanded  his  disciples  to  carry  the  gospel  to  the 
heathen,  and  promised  to  be  with  them  to  the  end  of 
the  world ;  that  God  has  promised  to  give  the  heathen 
to  his  Son  for  an  inheritance,  we  are  encouraged  to 


LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSOJST.  55 

make  a  beginning,  though  in  the  midst  of  discourage- 
ment, and  leave  it  to  Him  to  grant  success  in  his  own 
time  and  way." 

"I  find  here  no  female  friends  with  whom  I  can 
unite  in  social  prayer,  nor  even  one  with  whom  I  can 
converse.  I  have,  indeed,  no  society  at  all  except  that 
of  Mr.  Judson,  yet  I  feel  happy  in  thinking  that  I  gave 
up  this  source  of  pleasure,  as  well  as  most  others,  for 
the  sake  of  the  poor  heathen." 

In  her  journal  we  find  the  following  sentiment : 
"Though  we  find  ourselves  almost  destitute  of  all 
those  sources  of  enjoyment  to  which  we  have  been 
accustomed,  and  are  in  the  midst  of  a  people  who  are 
at  present  almost  destitute  on  account  of  the  scarcity 
of  provisions  ;  *  though  we  are  exposed  to  robbers  by 
night  and  invaders  by  day,  yet  we  both  unite  in  saying 
that  we  never  were  happier,  never  more  contented  fn 
any  situation  than  the  present.  We  feel  that  this  is 
the  post  to  which  God  hath  appointed  us;  that  we 
are  in  the  path  of  duty ;  and  though  surrounded  with 
danger  and  death,  we  feel  that  God  can  with  infinite 
ease,  preserve  and  support  us  under  the  most  heavy 
sufferings. 

"  Oh,  if  it  may  please  the  dear  Redeemer  to  make 
me  instrumental  of  leading  some  of  the  females  of 
Burmah  to  a  saving  acquaintance  with  Him,  my  great 
*  The  war  bad  almost  produced  a  famine. 


56  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

object  will  be  accomplished,  my  highest  desires  grati 
fied,  I  shall  rejoice  to  have  relinquished  my  comforts, 
my  country  and  my  home."  "  Oh  Lord,  here  I  am  ; 
thou  hast  brought  me  to  this  heathen  land,  and  given 
me  desires  to  labor  for  thee.  Do  with  me  what  pleas- 
eth  thee.  Make  me  useful  or  not  as  seemeth  good  in 
thy  sight.  But  oh,  let  my  soul  live  before  thee  ;  let 
me  serve  none  but  thee ;  let  me  have  no  object  in  life 
but  the  promotion  of  thy  glory." 

"Aug.  15. — I  have  begun  to  study  the  language. 
Find  it  very  hard  and  difficult,  having  none  of  the 
usual  helps  in  acquiring  a  language,  except  a  small 
part  of  a  grammar,  and  six' chapters  of  St.  Matthew's 
Gospel  by  Mr.  Carey,  now  at  Ava." 

"Aug.  28. — Have  been  writing  letters  this  week  to 
my  dear  friends  in  America.  Found  that  a  recollec- 
tion of  former  enjoyments  in  my  own  native  country, 
made  my  situation  here  appear  less  tolerable.  The 
thought  that  I  had  parents,  sisters,  and  beloved 
friends  still  in  existence,  and  at  such  a  distance  that  it 
was  impossible  to  obtain  one  look  or  exchange  a  word, 
was  truly  painful.  While  they  are  still  in  possession 
of  the  comforts  I  once  enjoyed,  I  am  an  exile  from  my 
country  and  my  father's  house,  deprived  of  all  society 
and  every  friend  but  one,  and  with  scarcely  the  neces- 
saries of  life.  These  privations  would  not  be  endured 
patience  in  any  other  cause  but  that  in  which  we 


LIFE  OF  MBS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON.  67 

are  engaged.  But  since  it  is  thy  cause,  blessed  Jesus, 
we  rejoice  that  thou  didst  give  us  so  many  enjoyments 
to  sacrifice,  and  madest  it  so  plainly  our  duty  to  foi 
sake  all  in  order  to  bring  thy  truth  to  the  benighted 
heathen.  We  would  not  resign  our  work,  but  live 
contented  with  our  lot,  and  live  to  Thee." 

"  Sept.  5.— Yes,  I  do  feel  thankful  that  God  has 
brought  me  to  this  heathen  land,  and  placed  me  in  a 
situation  peculiarly  calculated  to  make  me  feel  my  de- 
pendence on  him  and  my  constant  need  of  the  influ- 
ences of  the  Holy  Spirit.  I  enjoy  more  in  reading  the 
Scriptures,  and  in  secret  prayer  than  for  years  before  ; 
and  the  prosperity  of  this  mission,  and  the  conversion 
of  this  people,  lie  with  weight  on  my  mind,  and  draw 
forth  my  heart  in  constant  intercession.  And  I  do 
confidently  believe  that  God  will  visit  this  land  with 
Gospel  light,  that  these  idol  temples  will  be  demolished, 
and  temples  for  the  worship  of  the  living  God  be 
erected  in  their  stead." 

Let  us  here  pause  for  a  moment  and  contemplate 
the  picture  brought  by  these  words  before  our  imagi- 
nation. Let  us  survey  the  scene  in  which  the  lonely 
missionary  penned  this  prediction.  A  vast  country 
not  waste  and  uninhabited,  but  enriched  by  the  par- 
tial sun  with  every  natural  gift  to  cheer  the  sense  ana 
gratify  the  taste  of  man ;  swarming  with  human 

beings  endowed  with  capacities  for  advancement  in 

C* 


68  LIFE  OF  MES.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

knowledge,  and  virtue,  and  temporal  enjoyment,  as 
well  as  for  immortal  happiness  ;  yet  who,  having  said 
in  their  heart  there  is  no  God  '  that  minds  the  affairs  of 
men,'  have  built  up  for  themselves  a  fabric  of  absurd 
superstitions,  and  unmeaning  rites,  and  senseless  for- 
malities, to  which  they  cling  with  a  stubbornness  that 
nothing  but  the  power  of  God  can  subdue ;  on  such  a 
shore  are  cast  by  the  providence  of  God  two  '  pilgrim 
strangers,'  not  endowed  with  apostolic  gifts  ;  not  able 
to  control  disease,  or  raise  the  dead,  or  even  to  speak 
in  a  foreign  tongue  without  long  and  patient  and  as- 
siduous study  to  acquire  it ;  and  yet  with  a  simple  and 
sublime  faith  in  the  clear  and  sure  word  of  their  mas- 
ter, "Go — preach  my  Gospel — lo,  I  am  with  you," 
these  pilgrim  strangers  can  CONFIDENTLY  BELIEVE  that 
God  will  visit  this  land  with  gospel  light,  and  that 
those  gilded  fanes  which  now  glisten  in  the  morning 
and  evening  sun,  on  every  hill-top,  will  fall,  and  those 
poor  idolaters  will  say,  "  What  have  we  to  do  any 
more  with  idols  ?"  "  our  trust  is  in  the  name  of  the 
Lord  that  made  heaven  and  earth." 

In  one  of  the  last  paragraphs  of  her  private  journal 
which  has  been  preserved,  dated  Oct.  8th  of  the  same 
year,  she  says :  "  To-day  I  have  been  into  the  town, 
and  I  was  surprised  at  the  multitude  of  people  with 
which  the  streets  are  filled.  Their  countenances  are 
intelligent ;  and  they  appear  to  be  capable,  under  the 


LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON.  59 

influence  of  the  Gospel,  of  becoming  a  valuable  and 
respectable  people.  But  at  present  their  situation  is 
truly  deplorable,  for  they  are  given  to  every  sin.  Lying 
is  so  universal  among  them  that  they  say,  '  we  cannot 
live  without  telling  lies.'  They  believe  the  most  ab- 
surd notions  imaginable.  My  teacher  told  me  the 
other  day,  that  when  he  died  he  would  go  to  my  coun- 
try ;  I  shook  my  head,  and  told  him  he  would  not ;  but 
he  laughed,  and  said  he  would.  I  did  not  understand 
the  language  sufficiently  to  tell  him  where  he  would 
go,  or  how  he  could  be  saved.  Oh  thou  Light  of  the 
world,  dissipate  the  thick  darkness  that  covers  Burmah. 
Display  thy  grace  and  power  among  the  Burmans — 
subdue  them  to  thyself,  and  make  them  thy  chosen 
people." 


CHAPTER  VI. 

IKAENING    THE   LANGUAGE. — MRS.  JUDSON   VISITS   THE   'WTFE   OF  THE   VIOS- 

EOY. HEE   SICKNESS. — HER  VOYAGE  TO  MADEAS. HEE  EETCEN  TO  EAN- 

GOON. — BIETH  OF  A  SON. 

THOSE  who  have  acquired  a  modern  European  lan- 
guage with  the  aid  of  grammars,  dictionaries,  and  other 
suitable  books,  can  scarcely  estimate  the  labor  of, 
learning  without  such  aids,  such  a  language  as  the 
Burman.  In  fact  Mr.  Judson  thinks  more  progress 
can  be  made  in  the  French  in  a  few  months,  than  in 
the  Burman  in  two  years.  Mrs.  Judson  took  the 
whole  management  of  family  affairs  on  herself,  in  order 
to  leave  her  husband  at  liberty  to  prosecute  his  studies , 
and  the  consequence  was,  that  being  obliged  constantly 
to  use  all  the  Burman  she  knew,  in  her  intercourse 
with  servants,  traders,  and  others,  her  progress  was 
more  rapid  than  his. 

One  cause  of  difficulty  in  learning  their  language 
was  that  their  books  were  made  of  palm-leaves,  marked 
or  engraved  with  an  iron  style  or  pen,  without  ink. 
We  who  are  accustomed  to  clear  characters  on  paper, 


LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  61 

can  hardly  imagine  the  difficulty  of  tracing  out  these 
obscure  scratches  on  the  dried  palm-leaves.  Another 
was  that  in  writing,  "  their  words  are  not  fairly  divided 
like  ours  by  breaks,  and  points,  and  capitals,  but  run 
together  in  a  long  continuous  line,  a  sentence  or  para- 
graph seeming  like  one  long  word."  Another  diffi- 
culty was,  that  in  their  idiom,  a  great  variety  of  verbs 
must  be  used  to  express  one  action,  either  as  performed 
by  persons  of  different  rank,  or  as  done  under  different 
circumstances.  Thus  there  are  three  or  four  ways  to 
speak  of  eating  rice,  sleeping,  dying,  &c.  one  of  which 
is  always  used  of  the  king,  another  of  priests,  another 
of  rulers,  and  another  of  common  persons,  and  it  would 
be  an  insult  to  use  a  phrase  lower  than  one  is  entitled 
to.  Again,  for  our  term  to  wash,  for  instance,  there 
are  many  words;  one  is  used  for  to  wash  the  face, 
another,  the  hands,  another,  linen,  another,  dishes,  &c. 
They  have  in  their  language  eleven  vowels  and  thirty- 
three  consonants,  but  of  these  there  are  so  many  com- 
binations, that  about  one  thousand  characters  must  be 
used  in  printing.  Printing,  however,  was  unknown  to 
the  Burmans  until  our  missionaries  introduced  it. 

As  no  progress  at  all  could  be  made  in  their  mis- 
sionary labors  until  the  language  was  mastered,  they 
applied  themselves  cheerfully  and  diligently  to  its 
acquisition. 

An  interesiing  incident  is  related  by  Mrs.  Judson 


62  LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

under  date  of  Dec.  llth,  1813,  her  first  visit  to  the  wife 
of  a  man  in  power.  "  To-day  for  the  first  time  I  have 
visited  the  wife  of  the  Viceroy.  I  was  introduced  to 
her  by  a  French  lady  who  has  frequently  visited  her. 
When  we  first  arrived  at  the  government  house,  she 
was  not  up,  consequently  we  had  to  wait  some  time. 
But  the  inferior  wives  of  the  Viceroy  diverted  us  much 
by  their  curiosity,  in  minutely  examining  everything 
we  had  on,  and  by  trying  on  our  gloves,  bonnets,  &c. 
A.t  last  her  Highness  made  her  appearance,  richly 
Iressed  in  the  Burman  fashion,  with  a  long  silver  pipe 
<n  her  mouth,  smoking.  At  her  appearance  all  the 
other  wives  took  their  seats  at  a  respectful  distance, 
and  sat  in  a  crouching  posture  without  speaking.  She 
received  me  very  politely,  took  me  by  the  hand,  seated 
me  upon  a  mat  and  herself  by  me.  One  of  the  women 
brought  her  a  bunch  of  flowers,  of  which  she  took 
several  and  ornamented  my  cap.  She  was  very  in- 
quisitive whether  I  had  a  husband  and  children,  whether 
I  was  my  husband's  first  wife, — meaning  by  this 
whether  I  was  the  highest  among  them,  supposing  that 
Mr.  Judson,  like  the  Burmans,  had  many  wives ;  and 
whether  I  intended  tarrying  long  in  the  country. 

When  the  Viceroy  came  in  I  really  trembled,  for  1 
never  before  beheld  such  a  savage-looking  creature. 
His  long  robe  and  enormous  spear  not  a  little  increased 
my  dread.  He  spoke  to  me,  however,  very  conde^ 


LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JtJDSON.  63 

scendingly,  and  asked  whether  I  would  drink  some 
rum  or  wine.  When  I  arose  to  go,  her  highness  took 
my  hand  again,  told  me  she  was  happy  to  see  me,  and 
that  I  must  come  to  see  her  every  day.  She  led  me  to 
the  door,  I  made  my  salam  and  departed. 

"  My  object  in  visiting  her  was,  that  if  we  should  get 
into  any  difficulty  with  the  Burmans,  I  could  have 
access  to  her,  when  perhaps  it  would  not  be  possible 
for  Mr.  Judson  to  have  an  audience  with  the  Viceroy." 

In  pursuing  his  study  of  the  language,  Mr.  Judson 
had  fortunately  secured  as  a  teacher  a  Burman  of  more 
than  ordinary  intelligence,  and  who  had  a  perfect 
knowledge  of  the  grammatical  construction  of  the 
Burman  dialect,  and  also  of  the  Pali,  or  language  of 
the  sacred  books.  Day  after  day  he  sat  with  his 
teacher  in  the  open  verandah  which  surrounded  their 
dwelling,  reading,  writing,  and  talking,  joined  by  Mrs. 
Judson  in  every  interval  she  could  spare  from  family 
cares,  and  thus  were  they  fitting  themselves  to  teach 
to  the  poor  idolaters  the  new  religion.  Nor  did  they 
neglect  such  opportunities  of  doing  good  as  presented 
themselves  even  then;  but  every  effort  to  inculcate 
their  sentiments  was  met  with  the  objection,  "Your 
religion  is  good  for  you,  ours  for  us."  "  You  will  be 
rewarded  for  your  good  deeds  in  your  way,  we  in  our 
way."  They  found  they  had  to  deal  with  one  of  the 
proudest  and  most  conceited  races  on  earth.  Their 


64  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

very  religion,  as  we  have  before  said,  encourages  this 
conceit,  by  leading  them  constantly  to  make  "a  merit" 
of  their  good  actions,  or  what  they  suppose  such ;  while 
it  inculcates  neither  contrition  nor  penitence.  The 
peculiar  doctrines  of  Christianity,  its  justification  through 
the  merits  of  another,  its  humility  and  charity,  were  in 
the  last  degree  opposed  to  the  character  of  the  Burman 
race.  The  missionaries  were  made  daily  more  sensible 
that  the  Spirit  of  God  must  come  "  with  power,"  before 
the  truth  could  ever  enter  those  darkened  understand- 
ings. Prayer  was  therefore  their  only  reliance,  as  it 
was  their  only  comfort. 

But  even  this  enjoyment,  as  far  as  it  was  social,  was 
soon  broken  in  upon  by  the  increasing  illness  of  Mrs. 
Judson,  which  obliged  her  to  try  the  effect  of  a  change 
of  scene  and  climate.  She  could  not  think  of  taking 
Mr.  Judson  from  his  labors,  and  therefore  embarked 
alone  in  January,  1815,  for  Madras.  We  may  imagine 
the  joy  experienced  by  the  missionary,  thus  left  behind, 
on  receiving  during  her  absence  letters  from  this  coun- 
try, containing  an  account  of  the  general  movement  in 
America  in  favor  of  the  Mission,  and  the  formation  of 
the  Baptist  General  Convention.  His  heart  overflowed 
with  gratitude,  and  the  thought  that  though  he  had  no 
friend  near  him,  there  were  yet  hundreds  in  his  native 
land  praying  and  laboring  in  the  same  cause,  inspiied 
him  with  new  zeal  in  his  beloved  enterprise. 


LIFE   OF   MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  65 

Mrs.  Judson's  journey,  though  solitary,  was  prosper- 
ous and  successful.  Friends  appeared  for  her  where 
she  least  expected  them.  The  influence  of  her  engag- 
ing person  and  winning  manners  is  observable  in  the 
obliging  attention  she  received  even  from  strangers. 
The  Viceroy  appointed  a  woman  to  accompany  her, 
free  of  expense  ;  the  captain  refused  money  for  her 
passage  ;  and  the  physician  at  Madras,  from  whom 
she  had  received  visits  for  six  weeks,  returned  the  fee 
which  she  sent  him,  saying  he  was  happy  if  he  had 
been  of  service  to  her.  Her  health  being  perfectly 
restored  she  returned  to  Rangoon  after  an  absence  of 
three  months,  and  "on  the  llth  of  September,  was 
made  the  happy  mother  of  a  little  son."  She  soon  re- 
sumed her  studies,  and  though  she  saw  little  other  re- 
sult of  her  labors,  was  cheered  by  noticing  that  she 
and  her  husband  were  gradually  gaining  the  confi- 
dence of  the  natives,  who,  as  she  says,  would  say  to 
each  other  "  that  they  need  not  be  afraid  to  trust  us, 
for  we  do  not  tell  falsehoods  as  the  Burmans  do."  The 
indolent  and  deceitful  Burmans  saw  with  surprise  that 
these  two  Christians  always  kept  themselves  busily 
employed,  and  paid  every  debt  they  contracted  with 
strict  punctuality.  Thus  was  laid  the  foundation  of 

respect  for  the  new  religion. 

I 


CHAPTER  VII. 

DIFFICULTY  OF  INCULCATING  THE  GOSPEL. DEATH  OF  HER  SON. — FAILURE 

OF  ME.  JUDSON'S  HEALTH. — ARRIVAL  OF  MR.  AND  MBS.  HOUGH  AT  RAN 
GOON. 

IN  a  letter  which  Mrs.  Judson  wrote  to  her  sisters 
in  December,  1815,  she  says :  "  Doubtless  you  expect 
by  this  time  that  some  of  the  Burmans  have  embraced 
the  Christian  religion,  or  at  least  are  seriously  inquir- 
ing respecting  it."  "  But  you  cannot  imagine  how 
very  difficult  it  is  to  give  them  any  idea  of  the  true 
God  and  the  way  of  salvation  by  Christ,  since  theii 
present  ideas  of  Deity  are  so  very  low."  "  They  have 
not  the  least  idea  of  a  Divinity  who  is  eternal,  without 
beginning  or  end.  All  their  deities  have  been  through 
the  several  grades  of  creatures,  from  a  fowl  to  a  God 
.  .  ."  "  They  know  of  no  other  atonement  for  sin, 
than  offerings  to  their  priests  or  their  pagodas." 

She  goes  on  to  mention  some  instances  of  serious 
inquiry  among  the  people,  which  from  time  to  time 
had  raised  their  hopes,  only  to  dash  them  again  by  the 
relapse  of  the  inquirers  into  indifference ;  but  adds 


LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANK  H.   JUDSON".  67 

*•  These  things  do  not  discourage  us.  It  is  God  alone 
who  can  effectually  impress  the  mind  with  divine 
truths ;  and  though  seed  may  lie  buried  long  in  the 
dust,  yet  at  some  future  period  it  may  spring  up  and 
bear  fruit  to  the  glory  of  God." 

In  this  letter  she  gives  an  account  of  the  recall  of 
the  Viceroy  from  Rangoon  to  Ava,  the  imperial  resi 
dence,  and  the  consequent  confusion  of  the  people,  ten 
thousand  of  whom  accompanied  him  to  Ava.  She  re- 
gretted his  departure,  as  both  he  and  his  lady  had  ever 
treated  her  with  civility  and  kindness.  The  newly 
appointed  Viceroy  was  a  stranger,  and  might  not  be 
equally  kind  to  them. 

She  says,  "  Oh  how  I  long  to  visit  Bradford ;  to 
spend  a  few  evenings  by  your  firesides,  in  telling  you 
what  I  have  seen  and  heard.  Alas !  we  have  no  fireside, 
no  social  circle.  We  are  still  alone  in  this  miserable 
country,  surrounded  by  thousands  ignorant  of  the  true 
God."  ..."  But  we  still  feel  happy  in  our  employ- 
ment, and  have  reason  to  thank  God  that  he  has 
brought  us  here.  We  do  hope  to  live  to  see  the  Scrip- 
tures translated  into  the  Burman  language,  and  a 
church  formed  from  among  these  idolaters." 

Her  next  letter  details  "  with  all  the  pathos  of  a 
mother's   sorrow,"  a  new  trial  to  which  they  were 
called  by  Him,  who  though  "  clouds  and  darkness  are 
about  him."  yet  "  doeth  all  things  well." 
H 


68  LIFE  OP  MBS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

"  May  7th,  1816.— My  dear  Parents, — Little  did  1 
think  when  I  wrote  you  last,  that  my  next  letter  would 
be  filled  with  the  melancholy  subject  upon  which  I 
must  now  write.  Death,  regardless  of  our  lonely  situa- 
tion has  entered  our  dwelling,  and  made  one  of  the 
happiest  of  families  wretched.  Our  little  Roger  Wil- 
liams, our  only  little  darling  boy,  was  three  days  ago 
laid  in  the  silent  grave.  Eight  months  we  enjoyed 
the  precious  little  gift,  in  which  time  he  had  so  com- 
pletely entwined  himself  around  his  parents'  hearts 
that  his  existence  seemed  necessary  to  their  own.  But 
God  has  taught  us  by  affliction,  what  we  would  not 
learn  by  mercies — that  our  hearts  are  his  exclusive 
pioperty,  and  whatever  rival  intrudes,  he  will  tear  it 
away.'"' 

"  He  was  a  remarkably  pleasant  child — never  cried 
except  when  in  pain,  and  what  we  often  observed  to 
each  other  was  the  most  singular,  he  never  during  his 
little  existence  manifested  the  least  anger  or  resent- 
ment at  anything.  This  was  not  owing  to  the  want 
of  intellect,  for  his  tender  feelings  of  sensibility  were 
very  conspicuous.  Whenever  I  or  his  father,  passed 
his  cradle  without  taking  him,  he  would  follow  us  with 
his  eyes  to  the  door,  when  they  would  fill  with  tears, 
his  countenance  so  expressive  of  grief,  though  perfectly 
silent,  that  it  would  force  us  back  to  him,  which 
would  cause  his  little  heart  to  be  as  joyful  as  it  had 


LIFE  OF  MRS.   AXtf  H.  JUDSON.  6& 

before  been  sorrowful.  He  would  lie  hours  on  a  mat 
by  his  papa's  study-table,  or  by  the  side  of  his  chair  on 
the  floor,  if  he  could  only  see  his  face.  When  we  had 
finished  study  or  the  business  of  the  day,  it  was  our 
exercise  and  amusement  to  carry  him  round  the  house 
r  garden,  and  though  we  were  alone,  we  felt  not  our 
solitude  when  he  was  with  us."  .  .  . 

Her  account  of  his  last  sickness  and  death  follows, 
and  she  adds:  "  Thus  died  our  little  Roger: 

'  Short  pain,  short  grief;  dear  babe,  was  thine — 
Now  joys  eternal  and  divine.' 

We  buried  him  in  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day,  in 
a  little  enclosure,  the  other  side  of  the  garden.  Forty 
or  fifty  Burmans  and  Portuguese  followed  with  his 
afflicted  parents  the  last  remains  to  the  silent  grave. 
All  the  Burmans  who  were  acquainted  with  us,  tried 
to  sympathize  with  us  and  console  us  under  our  loss." 
...«  \ye  jo  not  feel  a  disposition  to  murmur,  or 
inquire  of  our  Sovereign  why  he  has  done  this.  We 
wish  rather  to  sit  down  submissively  under  the  rod  and 
bear  the  smart,  till  the  end  for  which  the  affliction  was 
sent  shall  be  accomplished.  Our  hearts  were  bound 
up  in  this  child ;  we  felt  he  was  our  earthly  all,  our 
only  source  of  innocent  recreation  in  this  heathen  land. 
But  God  saw  it  was  necessary  to  remind  us  of  our 
error  and  strio  us  of  our  little  all.  Oh  may  it  not  be 


70  LIFE  OF  MES.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

in  vain  that  he  has  done  it.  May  we  so  improve  it 
that  he  will  stay  his  hand  and  say,  '  It  is  enough.'  "  A 
while  after  this  she  writes :  "  Since  worship  I  have 
stolen  away  to  a  much  loved  spot,  where  I  love  to  sit 
and  pay  the  tribute  of  affection  to  my  lost,  darling  child. 
It  is  a  little  enclosure  of  mango-trees,  in  the  centre  of 
which  is  erected  a  small  bamboo  house,  on  a  rising 
spot  of  ground,  which  looks  down  on  the  new-made 
grave  of  our  infant  boy.  Here  I  now  sit,  and  though 
all  nature  around  wears  a  most  delightful,  and  romantic 
appearance,  yet  my  heart  is  sad,  and  my  tears  frequently 
stop  my  pen.  You,  my  dear  Mrs.  L.  who  are  a  mother, 
may  imagine  my  sensations,  but  if  you  have  never  lost 
a  first  born,  an  only  son,  you  can  never  know  my  pain. 
Had  you  even  buried  your  little  boy,  you  are  in  a 
Christian  country,  surrounded  by  friends  and  relatives, 
who  could  soothe  your  anguish  and  direct  your  atten- 
tion to  other  objects.  But  behold  us,  solitary  and 
alone,  with  this  one  source  of  recreation !  Yet  this  is 
denied  us,  this  must  be  removed,  to  show  us  that  we 
need  no  other  source  of  enjoyment  but  God  himself. 

"  Do  not  think  though  I  write  thifs,  that  I  repine  at 
the  dealings  of  Providence.  No !  though  he  slay  me 
yet  will  I  trust  in  him !  .  .  .  Though  I  say  with  the 
Prophet,  Behold  and  see  if  there  be  any  sorrow  like 
unto  my  sorrow,  yet  I  would  also  say,  It  is  of  the  Lord's 
mercies  that  we  are  not  consumed  because  his  com- 


LIFE   OP  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  71 

passions  fail  not.  God  is  the  same  when  he  afflicts,  as 
when  he  is  merciful,  just  as  worthy  of  our  entire  trust 
and  confidence  now,  as  when  he  entrusted  us  with  the 
precious  little  gift.  There  is  a  bright  side  even  to  this 
heavy  affliction." 

The  following  tender  and  beautiful  effusion  was 
written  by  the  Rev.  J.  Lawson  of  the  Serampore  Mis- 
sion and  presented  to  Mrs.  Judson  on  this  occasion. 
As  it  has  not  been  published  in  former  notices  of  Mrs. 
J.  we  take  pleasure  in  inserting  it  here. 

"Hush'd  be  the  murmuring  thought !    Thy  will  be  done, 

0  Arbiter  of  life  and  death.     I  bow 

To  thy  command — I  yield  the  precious  gift 
So  late  bestowed ;  and  to  the  silent  grave 
Move  sorrowing,  yet  submissive.    0  sweet  babe  1 

1  lay  thee  down  to  rest — the  cold,  cold  earth 
A  pillow  for  thy  little  head.     Sleep  on, 
Serene  in  death.    No  care  shall  trouble  thee. 
All  undisturbed  thou  slumberest ;  far  more  still 
Than  when  I  lulled  thee  in  my  lap,  and  sooth'd 

Thy  little  sorrows  till  they  ceased 

Then  felt  thy  mother  peace ;  her  heart  was  light 
As  the  sweet  sigh  that  'scaped  thy  placid  lips, 
And  joyous  as  the  dimpled  smile  that  played 
Across  thy  countenance. — 0  I  must  weep 

To  think  of  thee,  dear  Infant,  on  my  knees 
Untroubled  sleeping.     Bending  o'er  thy  form, 
I  watch'd  with  eager  hope  to  catch  the  laugh 
First  waking  from  thy  sparkling  eye,  a  beam 
Lovely  to  me  as  the  blue  light  of  heaven. 
Dimm'd  in  death's  agony,  it  beams  no  more ! 

Oh  yet  once  more  I  kiss  thy  marble  lips, 

Sweet  babe  1  and  press  with  mine  thy  whitened  cheeks. 


72  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JTJDSON. 

Farewell,  a  long  farewell ! — Yet  visit  me 
In  dreams,  my  darling ;  though  the  visioned  joy 
Wake  bitter  pangs,  still  be  thou  in  my  thoughts, 
And  I  will  cherish  the  dear  dream,  and  think 
I  still  possess  thee.     Peace,  my  bursting  heart ! 
O  I  submit     Again  I  lay  thee  down, 
Dear  relic  of  a  mother's  hope.     Thy  spirit, 
Now  mingled  with  cherubic  hosts,  adores 
^f  That  grace  that  ransomed  it,  and  lodg'd  it  safe 
//\  Above  the  stormy  scene." 

She  then  gives  an  interesting  account  of  a  visit  paid 
them  by  the  wife  of  the  Viceroy,  who  on  hearing  of 
the  death  of  the  'little  white  child'  as  she  called  him, 
came  to  condole  with  his  parents.  She  was  attended 
by  about  two  hundred  of  her  officers  of  state  and  mem- 
bers of  her  household,  expressed  great  sympathy  in 
Mrs.  Judson's  affliction,  and  reproached  her  for  not 
having  sent  her  word  that  she  might  have  come  to  the 
funeral.  Mrs.  Judson  says,  "  I  regaled  her  with  tea, 
sweetmeats,  and  cakes,  with  which  she  seemed  much 
pleased."  She  adds,  "  I  sometimes  have  good  oppor- 
tunities of  communicating  religious  truths  to  the  women 
in  the  government-house,  and  hope  I  shall  have  an 
opportunity  of  conversing  with  the  wife  of  the  Viceroy 
herself."  ..."  Oh  that  she  might  become  a  real  dis- 
ciple of  Jesus!" 

In  the  same  melancholy  letter  she  relates  another 
affliction — Mr.  Judson,  who  had  frequently  been  asked 
by  the  natives,  '  Where  are  your  religious  books  ?'  had 


LIFE   OF  Mm   AUJSf  H.  JTJDSON.  73 


Deen  diligently  employed  in  preparing  a  Tract  in  the 
Burman  language  called  '  A  Summary  of  Christian 
Truth  ;'  when  his  nervous  system,  and  especially  his 
head  became  so  afflicted,  that  he  was  obliged  to  lay 
aside  all  study,  and  seriously  think  of  a  voyage  to  Cal- 
cutta as  his  only  means  of  restoration.  But  he  was 
prevented  from  executing  his  design  by  the  joyful  news 
that  two  additional  missionaries  were  about  to  join 
them.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hough,  from  America,  arrived 
in  Rangoon  in  October,  1816;  and  brought  with  them 
as  a  present  from  the  Mission  at  Serampore,  a  printing 
t-ress,  with  a  fount  of  types  in  the  Burman  character, 
than  which  nothing  could  have  been  more  acceptable. 

Can  we  wonder  that  after  laboring  in  loneliness  and 
sorrow  three  years,  such  an  event  as  this  should  fill 
their  hearts  with  joy  and  consolation  ? 

The  Burmans  are  very  generally  taught  to  read, 
though  having  little  that  is  attractive  in  their  own  liter- 
ature, and  books  being  scarce  and  dear,  they  could  not 
at  the  time  of  which  we  write,  be  said  to  be  a  reading 
people.  Still  the  fact  that  numbers  were  able  to  read, 
was  a  strong  encouragement  to  print  tracts  and  books 
for  them.  On  the  occasion  of  printing  the  tract  above- 
mentioned,  and  a  catechism,  Mr.  Hough  writes  thus: 

"  These  two  little  tracts  are  the  first  printing  ever 
done  in  Burmah  ;  and  it  is  a  fact  grateful  to  every 
Chi  istian  feeling,  that  God  has  reserved  the  introduction 
of  this  art  here,  for  his  own  use."  D 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

MISSIONARY   LABORS. — FEMALE   INTELLECT   IN    BDRMAH. — DESCRIPTION    Of 
A   PAGODA,   OP    BUBMAN     WORSHIP  AND   OFFERINGa 

A  CIRCUMSTANCE  still  more  cheering  to  the  hearts  o" 
the  missionaries  than  even  the  arrival  of  companions 
from  their  beloved  native  land,  was  a  visit  of  a  Burman 
who  having  read  the  "  two  little  books"  from  the  press 
of  Mr.  Hough,  came  to  inquire  further  into  the  new 
religion.  When  Mr.  Judson  first  heard  from  the  lipg 
of  an  idolater  the  confession  that  "God  is  a  Being 
without  beginning  or  end,  not  subject  to  old  age  or 
death,  but  who  always  is," — his  feelings  were  inde- 
scribable and  overpowering.  Here  at  length  was  a 
germination  of  that  seed  they  had  so  long  been  sowing 
in  tears !  For  if  one  heathen  heart  could  be  thus  led 
by  the  Spirit  to  investigate  the  truth,  why  not  more, — 
why  not  many  ?  and  why  might  not  the  same  Spirit 
lead  them  to  him  who  is  not  only  the  truth,  but  the 
wav, — the  wav  to  Heaven? 

*  *  •/ 

They  soon  received  visits  from  other  Burmans  who 
had  seen  the  tracts  issued  by  them ;  and  who  seemed 
desirous  of  learning  the  truth,  but  still  very  fearful  or 


LIFE  OF  MES.  ANN  H.  JUDSON.  75 

being  known  as  inquirers.  It  became  necessary  there- 
fore to  seek  the  patronage  of  the  government,  and  Mr. 
Judson  determined,  so  soon  as  he  should  have  finished 
his  dictionary  of  the  language,  to  proceed  to  Ava,  the 
residence  of  the  emperor. 

Mrs.  Judson  met  every  Sabbath  a  society  of  fifteen 
or  twenty  females,  to  whom  she  read  the  Scriptures, 
and  talked  about  God.  They  were  attentive,  and 
willing  to  ask  and  answer  questions,  but  for  a  long 
time  experienced  no  abiding  convictions  of  sin  or  of 
duty.  Some  were  willing  to  serve  Christ  if  they  could 
do  it  without  renouncing  dependence  on  their  own 
merits.  Others  would  serve  God,  if  they  might  serve 
Gaudama  also. 

As  there  is  a  tendency  in  enlightened  minds  to  feel 
a  contempt  for  the  intellect  of  barbarians ;  and  as  some 
have  even  felt  that  time  spent  as  Mrs.  Judson's  was 
with  those  native  females,  was  thrown  away,  we  will 
here  record  her  testimony  to  the  intelligence  of  the 
Burmese  women.  "  The  females  of  this  country  are 
lively,  inquisitive,  strong  and  energetic,  swceptible  of 
friendship  and  the  warmest  attachment,  and  possess 
minds  capable  of  rising  to  the  highest  state  of  cultiva- 
tion and  refinement.  .  .  .  This  is  evident  from  their 
mode  of  conversing,"  and  may  be  illustrated  by  some 
particulars  in  the  experience  of  one  of  them,  named 
May-Meulah. 


76  LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

Previous  to  the  arrival  of  the  missionaries  in  hei 
country,  her  active  mind  was  led  to  inquire  the  origin 
of  all  things.  Who  created  all  that  her  eyes  beheld  ? 
She  inquired  of  all  she  met,  and  visited  priests  and 
teachers  in  vain ;  and  such  was  her  anxiety,  that  her 
friends  feared  for  her  reason.  She  resolved  to  learn 
to  read,  that  she  might  consult  the  sacred  books.  Her 
husband,  willing  to  gratify  her  curiosity,  taught  her  to 
read  himself.  In  their  sacred  literature  she  found 
nothing  satisfactory.  For  ten  years  she  prosecuted 
her  inquiries,  when  God  in  his  providence  brought  to 
her  notice  a  tract  written  by  Mr.  Judson  in  the  Bur- 
mese language,  which  so  far  solved  her  difficulties,  that 
she  was  led  to  seek  out  its  author.  From  him  she 
learned  the  truths  of  the  gospel,  and  by  the  Holy  Spirit 
those  truths  were  made  the  means  of  her  conversion. 
"  She  became  an  ornament  to  her  profession,  and  her 
daily  walk  and  conversation  would  shame  many  pro- 
fessors in  Christian  countries." 

Christians  in  America,  was  Mrs.  Judson's  time 
thrown  aw^y,  when  she  was  leading  Burmese  females 
to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth  as  it  is  in  Jesus  ? 

One  of  the  most  splendid  buildings  in  the  empire  is 
a  pagoda  at  Rangoon,  in  which  is  enshrined  a  relic  of 
Gaudama.  At  this  pagoda,  a  yearly  feast  is  celebrated 
which  lasts  three  days,  and  draws  people  together  from 
all  parts  of  the  country. 


LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSCXN.  77 

Mrs.  Judson  says — "If  Dr.  Young  could  have  seen 
the  devotion  of  this  people  to  their  idolatry,  he  might 
well  have  exclaimed,  '  O  for  a  heathen  zeal  in  Christian 
hearts !'  Even  while  I  am  writing  my  ears  are  stunned 
with  the  noise  and  confusion  of  preparation  for  an 
approaching  festival.  Could  you,  my  dear  sir,  but  once 
witness  this  annual  feast,  could  you  behold  the  enthu- 
siasm of  their  devotions,  you  would  readily  admit  that 
nothing  short  of  an  Almighty  arm  could  break  down 
these  strong  barriers,  and  cause  the  introduction  of  the 
gospel." 

The  pagoda  itself  is  thus  described  by  Dr.  Malcom. 

"Two  miles  from  Rangoon  stands  the  celebrated 
pagoda  called  Shooda-gon.  It  stands  upon  a  small 
hill,  surmounted  by  many  smaller  pagodas,  and  many 
noble  trees.  The  hill  has  been  graduated  into  suc- 
cessive terraces,  sustained  by  brick  walls;  and  the 
summit,  which  is  completely  leveled,  contains  about 
two  acres. 

"  The  two  principal  approaches  from  the  city  are  lined 
on  each  side,  for  a  mile,  with  fine  pagodas,  some  almost 
vieing  for  size  with  Shoodagon  itself.  Passing  these, 
on  your  way  from  the  city,  you  come  to  a  flight  of 
time-worn  steps,  covered  by  a  curious  arcade  of  little 
houses  of  various  forms  and  sizes,  some  in  partial  decay, 
others  truly  beautiful.  After  crossing  some  terraces, 
covered  in  the  same  manner,  you  reach  the  top,  and 


78  LIFE  OP   MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

passing  a  great  gate,  enter  at  once  this  sad  but  im 
posing  theatre  of  Gaudama's  glory.  One's  first  impres 
sions  are,  what  terrible  grandeur;  what  sickening 
magnificence ;  what  absurd  imagery ;  what  extrava- 
gant expenditure ;  what  long  successions  of  devotees 
to  procure  this  throng  of  buildings  of  such  various 
dates ;  what  a  poor  religion  which  makes  such  labors 
its  chief  meritoriousness !  Before  you,  stands  the  huge 
Shoodagon,  its  top  among  the  clouds,  and  its  golden 
sides  blazing  in  the  glories  of  an  eastern  sun.  Around 
are  pompous  zayats,  noble  pavements,  Gothic  mau- 
soleums, uncouth  colossal  lions,  curious  stone  umbrellas, 
graceful  cylindrical  banners  of  gold-embroidered  muslin 
hanging  from  lofty  pillars,  enormous  stone  jars  in  rows 
to  receive  offerings,  tapers  burning  before  the  images, 
exquisite  flowers  displayed  on  every  side  filling  the  air 
with  fragrance,  and  a  multitude  of  carved  figures  of 
idols,  griffins,  guardians,  &c. 

"  Always  in  the  morning,  men  and  women  are  seen 
in  every  direction  kneeling  behind  their  gift,  and 
with  uplifted  hands  reciting  their  devotions,  often 
with  a  string  of  beads  counting  over  each  repeti- 
tion ;  aged  persons  sweep  out  every  place,  or  pick 
out  the  grass  from  the  crevices ;  dogs  and  crows 
struggle  around  the  altars,  and  devour  the  recent 
offerings ;  the  great  bells  utter  their  frequent  tones ; 


LIFE  OF   MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  79 

and  the  mutter  of  praying  voices  makes  a  hum  like 
the  buzzing  of  an  exchange. 

"  Every  worshipper  brings  a  present,  often  a  bunch 
of  flowers  or  a  few  green  twigs  plucked  on  the  way; 
but  generally  the  nicest  eatables  ready  cooked,  beau- 
tiful bunches  of  fiowers,  articles  of  raiment,  &c.  The 
amount  of  offerings  here  is  very  great.  Stone  vases, 
some  of  which  will  hold  fifty  or  sixty  gallons,  stand 
round  the  pagoda,  into  which  the  devotees  carefully 
lay  their  leafy  plates  of  rice,  plantain,  cakes,  &c.  As 
these  are  successively  filled,  appointed  persons  empty 
them  into  their  vessels,  carefully  assorting  the  various 
kinds.  The  beautiful  flowers  remain  all  night  and  are 
swept  out  in  the  morning.  No  one  ever  objected 
however  to  my  gathering  them  at  pleasure.  A  gift 
once  deposited  is  no  more  regarded  by  the  worship- 
per." "  I  could  not  but  feel  as  I  gazed  upon  the  rich 
landscape  and  bright  heavens,  and  marked  the  joy  of 
the  young  men  and  maidens  as  they  passed  on,  that  he 
who  has  so  long  forborne  with  them,  will  in  his  abun- 
dant mercy,  give  them  pastors  after  his  own  heart, 
who  shall  feed  them  with  knowledge  and  understand 
ing." 

After  reading  this  description,  who  can  wonder  at 
the  difficulty  of  turning  this  semi-barbarous  people, 
from  a  religion  of  such  a  gorgeous  and  imposing  cere- 
monial, and  of  such  perfect  congenially  with  the  un- 


80  LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

humbled  heart,  to  the    spiritual,  self-denying,   pride- 
abasing  doctrines  of  the  cross  ? 

Mrs.  Judson  in  a  letter  to  a  friend,  mentions  the 
splendor  and  costliness  of  some  of  the  religious  offer- 
ings, one  of  which  cost  three  thousand  tickals,  or 
twelve  hundred  dollars.  After  a  description  of  the 
pagoda  and  its  worshippers,  she  says :  "  The  ground 
on  which  the  pagoda  is  situated,  commands  a  view  of 
the  surrounding  country,  which  presents  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  landscapes  in  nature.  The  polished 
spires  of  the  pagodas,  glistening  among  the  trees  at  a 
distance,  appear  like  the  steeples  of  meeting-houses  in 
our  American  seaports.  The  verdant  appearance  of 
the  country,  the  hills  and  valleys,  ponds  and  rivers, 
the  banks  of  which  are  covered  with  cattle  and  fields 
of  rice ;  each  in  turn  attract  the  eye,  and  cause  the 
beholder  to  exclaim,  "  Was  this  delightful  country 
made  to  be  the  residence  of  idolaters  ?"  .  .  .  "  Oh  my 
friend,  scenes  like  these,  productive  of  feelings  so  vari- 
ous and  so  opposite,  do  notwithstanding,  fire  the  soul 
with  an  unconquerable  desire  to  rescue  this  people 
from  destruction,  and  lead  them  to  the  Rock  that  is 
higher  than  they." 

Under  date  of  January  18,  1818,  Mrs.  Judson  writes 
that  they  still  live  quietly,  unmolested  by  government, 
and  that  they  receive  much  respect  and  affection 


LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON.  81 

from  the  Viceroy  and  his  family.  She  had  some 
opportunities  of  private  religious  conversation  with 
the  Vicereine,  to  whom  she  presented  a  translation  of 
Matthew's  Gospel  and  a  catechism.  Still  the  heart  of 
the  lady  appeared  unaffected,  though  she  ordered  her 
daughters  to  be  instructed  in  the  new  catechism. 
The  inquirer  who  was  mentioned  as  having  afforded 
Mr.  Judson  such  lively  satisfaction,  had  been  appoint- 
ed to  a  government  in  a  distant  province,  so  that  they 
saw  little  of  him,  but  were  gratified  to  learn  that  his 
interest  in  religious  books  still  continued. 

6  D* 


CHAPTER  IX. 

DISTRESSING    EVENTS. ME.  JUDSON's   ABSENCE   FROM    RANGOON. PERSECU- 
TION   OF     MR.    HOUGH. HIS    DEPARTURE    FOR    BENGAL. MRS.    JUDSON** 

HEROIC    FORTITUDE. MR.  JUDSON's    RETURN. 

WE  have  now  to  relate  some  distressing  events  con- 
nected with  the  mission,  which  for  a  time  threatened 
its  very  existence. 

Mr.  Judson  having  decided  to  commence  a  course 
of  public  preaching  to  the  natives,  thought  best  to  se- 
cure the  assistance  of  a  native  convert  from  the  prov- 
ince of  Arracan,  who  spoke  the  Burman  language,  to 
assist  him  in  his  first  public  efforts.  He  therefore  em- 
barked for  that  province,  leaving  Mrs.  Judson  to  con- 
tinue her  efforts  with  the  females  under  her  instruc- 
tion ;  while  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hough  were  to  prosecute 
the  study  of  the  language.  He  intended  to  be  gone 
but  three  months,  but  at  the  end  of  that  period,  when 
his  return  was  daily  expected,  a  vessel  from  Chit- 
tagong,  the  port  to  which  he  had  sailed,  arrived  at 
Rangoon,  bringing  the  distressing  tidings,  that  neither 
he,  nor  the  vessel  he  sailed  in  had  been  heard  of  at 


LIFE  OF  MES.  ANN  S.  JUDSON.  88 

that  port.  Letters  received  by  Mrs.  Judson  from 
Bengal,  also  brought  similar  intelligence. 

While  the  missionaries  left  in  Rangoon  were  in  this 
state  of  fearful  alarm  and  suspense,  Mr.  Hough  re- 
ceived an  order  to  repair  instantly  to  the  Court  House 
with  a  threat,  that  "  if  he  did  not  tell  all  the  truth  in 
relation  to  the  foreigners,  they  would  write  with  his 
heart's  blood."  This  message  spread  consternation 
among  the  native  teachers,  domestics  and  adherents, 
some  of  whom  heard  that  a  royal  order  had  arrived 
for  the  banishment  of  all  foreign  teachers.  Mr.  Hough 
was  detained  at  the  court-house  from  day  to  day  on 
the  most  flimsy  pretences,  ignorant  of  the  language, 
and  with  no  one  to  intercede  with  the  government  in 
his  behalf,  for  it  was  contrary  to  etiquette  for  a  woman 
to  appear  before  the  Viceroy,  his  family  being  absent. 
Mrs.  Judson  being  at  length  convinced  that  the  petty 
officers  of  government  were  acting  in  this  matter  with- 
out authority,  and  for  the  purpose  of  extorting  money 
from  Mr.  Hough,  with  the  intrepidity  that  always 
marked  her  character,  "  taking  her  life  in  her  hand", 
went  boldly  to  the  palace  with  a  petition  for  his  re- 
lease. The  Viceroy  immediately  granted  it,  and  com- 
manded that  Mr.  Hough  should  receive  no  further 
molestation. 

To  add  to  the  distresses  of  the  missionaries,  the 
jholera  now  raged  around  them  with  fearful  violence, 


84  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JDDSON. 

and  there  were  rumors  of  war  between  England  and 
Burmah.     Six  months  had  passed,  and  still  the  fate  of 
Mr.  Judson  was  a  fearful  mystery.     The  English  ves- 
sels were  hastening  their  departure  from  the  harbor, 
and  soon  they  would  have  no  means  of  leaving  the 
country,  whatever  might  occur.     Mrs.  Judson  writes: 
"  Mr.  Hough  has  been  for  some  time  past  desirous  to 
have  Mrs.  Hough,  his  children  and  myself  go  to  Ben- 
gal.    But  I  have  ever  felt  resolved  not  to  make  any 
movement  till  I  hear  from  Mr.  Judson.     Within  a  few 
days,  however,   some   circumstances    have   occilrred 
which  have  induced  me  to  make  preparations  for  a 
voyage.     There  is  but  one  remaining  ship  in  the  river; 
and  if  an  embargo  is  laid  on  English  ships  it  will  be 
impossible  for  Mr.  Judson  (if  he  is  yet  alive)  to  return 
to  this  place.     But  the  uncertainty  of  meeting  him  in 
Bengal,  and  the  possibility  of  his  arriving  in  my  ab- 
sence, cause  me  to  make  preparations  with  a  heavy 
heart.     Sometimes  I  feel  inclined  to  remain  here,  alone, 
and  hazard  the  consequences.     I  should  certainly  con- 
clude on  this  step,  if  any  probability  existed  of  Mr. 
Judson's  return.     This  mission  has  never  appeared  in 
so  low  a  state  as  at  the  present  time.     It  seems  now 
entirely  destroyed,  as  we  all  expect  to  embark  for 
Bengal  in  a  day  or  two.     Alas !  how  changed  are  our 
prospects  since  Mr.  Judson  left  us !     How  dark,  how 
intricate  the  providence  that  now  surrounds  us !     Yet 


LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN.  H.  JUDSON.  85 

it  becomes  us  to  be  still,  and  know  that  he  is  God  who 
has  thus  ordered  our  circumstances." 

A  fortnight  later,  she  writes :  "  Alone,  my  dear 
friends,  in  this  great  house,  ....  I  take  my  pen  to 
record  the  strange  vicissitudes  through  which  I  have 
passed  within  a  few  days. 

On  the  5th  of  this  month,  I  embarked  with  Mr. 
Hough  and  family  for  Bengal,  having  previously  dis- 
posed of  what  I  could  not  take  with  me.  .  .  .  My 
disinclination  to  proceed  had  increased  to  such  a  de- 
gree that  I  was  on  the  point  of  giving  up  the  voyage ; 
but  my  passage  was  paid,  my  baggage  on  board,  and  I 
knew  not  how  to  separate  myself  from  the  rest  of  the 
mission  family.  The  vessel  however  was  several  days 
in  going  down  the  river ;  and  "  before  putting  out  40 
sea  was  to  be  detained  a  day  or  two  longer  at  its 
mouth."  "I  immediately  resolved  on  giving  up  the 
voyage  and  returning  to  town.  Accordingly  the  cap- 
tain sent  up  a  boat  with  me,  and  agreed  to  forward  my 
baggage  the  next  day.  I  reached  town  in  the  evening, — 
spent  the  night  at  the  house  of  the  only  remaining  Eng- 
lishman in  the  place,  and  to-day  have  come  out  to  the 
mission-house,  to  the  great  joy  of  all  the  Burmans  left  on 
our  premises.  Mr.  Hough  and  his  family  will  proceed, 
and  they  kindly  and  affectionately  urge  my  return.  I 
know  I  am  surrounded  by  dangers  on  every  hand,  and 
expect  to  see  much  anxiety  and  distress ;  but  at  present 


86  LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

I  am  tranquil,  and  intend  to  make  an  effort  to  pursue 
my  studies  as  formerly,  and  leave  the  event  with  God." 

Thus  did  this  heroic  woman,  with  that  divine  "in- 
stinct that  seems  to  guide  the  noblest  natures  in  great 
emergencies,  decide  to  return  alone  to  the  mission- 
house,  there  to  await  the  return  of  her  husband,  or  the 
confirmation  of  her  worst  fears  concerning  his  fate." 
It  was  a  wonderful  exhibition  of  courage  and  con- 
stancy ;  "  and  gave  assurance  of  all  the  distinguished 
qualities,  which  at  a  later  period,  and  amid  dangers 
still  more  appalling,  shone  with  such  brightness  around 
the  character  of  this  remarkable  woman.  The  event 
justified  her  determination ;  and  within  a  week  after 
her  decision  was  taken,  Mr.  Judson  arrived  at  Rangoon, 
having  been  driven  from  place  to  place  by  contrary 
winds,  and  having  entirely  failed  of  the  object  for 
which  he  undertook  the  voyage. 

"Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hough,  after  long  delays,  reached 
Bengal,  carrying  with  them  the  press  and  all  the  imple- 
ments of  the  printing-house.  Their  removal  was  sub- 
sequently productive  of  many  embarrassments  to  the 
Mission,  and  seems  never  to  have  been  fully  justified 
either  by  Mr.  Judson  or  the  Board  of  Managers  in 
America."* 

*  Ganamel. 


CHAPTER  X. 

INTOLERANCE    OF   THE    BURMAN    GOVERXMEXT. FIRST   EDIFICE   FOR    CHRIS- 
TIAN WORSHIP   ERECTED. INSTRUCTION    OF  NATIVES. COXVERSION  OF  A 

NATIVE. HIS    BAPTISM. THAT  OF  TWO  TIMID    DISCIPLES. MESSRS.  JUD 

6ON  AND  COLMAN  VISIT  AVA. 

A  FEW  weeks  after  the  return  of  Mr.  Judson,  the 
prospects  of  the  Mission  were  still  further  brightened 
by  the  arrival  of  Messrs.  Colman  and  Wheelock,  who, 
with  their  wives,  had  been  appointed  by  the  Board  in 
America,  Missionaries  to  Burmah.  They  were  young 
men  of  good  talents,  fervent  piety,  and  extraordinary 
devotion  to  the  object  of  evangelizing  the  heathen. 

Mr.  Judson,  considering  himself  sufficiently  master 
of  the  language  to  preach  publicly,  decided  to  build  a 
small  zayat,  on  a  much  frequented  road,  where  he  could 
preach  the  gospel,  and  converse  with  any  native  who 
might  desire  it,  and  where  Mrs.  Judson  could  meet 
female  inquirers,  and  hold  a  school  for  religious  and 
other  instruction.  He  knew  that  this  might  draw 
upon  them  the  displeasure  of  the  higher  powers,  which 
had  hitherto  favored  them  because  of  the  privacy  of 
their  life,  and  their  small  influence  with  the  natives ; 


88  LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

for  this  government,  as  they  afterwards  discovered, 
though  remarkably  tolerant  to  foreigners,  is  highly 
intolerant  to  its  own  subjects  m  religious  matters. 
Dr.  Malcom  remarks :  "  Foreigners  of  every  descrip- 
tion are  allowed  the  fullest  exercise  of  their  religion. 
They  may  build  places  of  worship  in  any  place,  and 
have  their  public  festivals  and  processions  without 
molestation.  But  no  Burman  may  join  any  of  these 
religions,  under  the  severest  penalties.  In  nothing 
does  the  government  more  thoroughly  display  its  des- 
potism, than  in  its  measures  for  suppressing  all  religious 
innovation,  and  supporting  the  established  system.  .  .  . 
The  whole  population  is  thus  held  in  chains,  as  iron- 
like  as  caste  itself;  and  to  become  a  Christian  openly, 
is  to  hazard  everything,  even  life  itself."  But  the 
Missionaries  not  being  at  this  time  at  all  aware  of  the 
rigor  of  this  intolerance,  resolved  to  make  the  attempt, 
and  trust  in  the  Lord  for  protection. 

In  April,  1819,  Mr.  Judson  preached  in  his  new 
zayat  to  a  congregation  of  fifteen  or  twenty  persons, 
most  of  them  entirely  inattentive  and  disorderly.  But 
feeble  as  was  this  beginning,  it  was  regarded  by  the 
missionaries  as  an  event  of  no  ordinary  importance. 
Here  was  the  first  altar  ever  erected  for  the  worship 
of  the  true  God  in  that  country  over  which  century 
after  century  had  rolled,  each  sweeping  its  millions  of 
idolaters  into  eternity ;  and  rude  and  lowly  as  were  its 


LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON.  89 

walls,  compared  with  the  magnificent  temples  that 
surrounded  it,  it  was  perhaps  the  fitter  emblem  of  that 
spiritual  religion  which  delights  not  in  temples  made 
with  hands,  but  in  the  service  of  the  heart,  'which  is 
in  the  sight  of  God  of  great  price/ 

The  building,  which  they  called  a  zayat  from  its 
similarity  to  the  public  buildings  of  that  name  in  Bur- 
mah,  had  three  apartments ;  the  first  a  mere  verandah 
thatched  with  bamboo,  open  to  the  road,  and  the  place 
where  Mr.  Judson  received  all  occasional  visitors  and 
inquirers  ;  the  second  or  middle  one,  a  large  airy  room, 
occupied  on  Sundays  for  preaching  and  on  week  days 
as  a  school-room ;  and  the  last  division,  a  mere  entry 
opening  into  the  garden  leading  to  the  mission-house. 
During  the  week  Mrs.  Judson  occupied  the  middle 
room,  giving  instruction  in  reading,  &c.,  to  a  class  of 
males  and  females  ;  and  also  in  conversing  with  female 
inquirers.  Here  she  also  studied  the  Siamese  lan- 
guage, much  spoken  in  Rangoon,  and  translated  into 
that  language  a  catechism,  and  the  Gospel  of  Matthew. 

The  30th  of  April,  1819,  was  made  memorable  by 
the  first  visit  of  an  inquirer  who  became  a  CONVERT  to 
the  Christian  faith.  On  the  5th  of  May  Mr.  Judson 
says  in  his  journal,  "It  seems  almost  too  much  to 
believe  that  God  has  begun  to  manifest  his  grace  to 
the  Burmans,  but  this  day  I  could  not  resist  the  do- 


90  LIFE  OF  antS.  AITN  H.  JUDSON. 


iightful  conviction  that  this  is  really  the  case.     PRAISS 

AND  GLORY  TO  HIS  NAME  FOR  EVERMORE.       Amen." 

From  this  time  we  learn  from  Mr.  Judson's  journal, 
that  the  verandah  of  the  zayat  where  he  sat  to  receive 
visitors,  was  constantly  thronged  with  natives,  who, 
impelled,  some  by  curiosity  and  idleness,  and  some  by 
better  motives,  came  to  talk  about  the  new  religion. 
So  much  however  was  to  be  dreaded,  in  the  opinion 
of  most  of  these,  from  the  "lord  of  life  and  death,"  as 
they  called  the  emperor,  that  few  dared  follow  out  their 
convictions.  Moung  Nau,  however,  the  convert  above 
mentioned,  adhered  steadfastly  to  his  new  faith,  ancj 
desirea  baptism.  Not  having  any  doubt  of  the  realityi 
of  his  conversion,  Mr.  Judson  administered  the  ordi- 
nance to  him  on  Sunday,  June  21.  On  the  following 
Lord's  day,  the  missionaries  had  the  unspeakable  satis- 
faction of  sitting  down  at  the  Lord's  table  for  the  first 
time  with  a  converted  Burman  ;  and  as  Mr.  Judson 
writes,  he  had  the  privilege  to  which  he  had  been  look- 
ing forward  many  years,  of  administering  the  com- 
munion in  two  languages. 

Many  of  the  expressions  of  this  young  convert  are 
very  interesting.  We  find  them  in  a  letter  from  Mrs. 
Judson.  "  In  our  religion  there  is  no  way  to  escape 
the  punishment  due  to  sin  ;  but  according  to  the  reli- 
gion of  Christ,  he  himself  has  died  in  order  to  deliver 
his  disciples.  How  great  are  my  thanks  to  Jesus 


LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  91 

Christ  for  sending  teachers  to  this  country !  and  how 
great  are  my  thanks  to  the  teachers  for  coming !"  On 
hearing  the  fifth  chapter  of  Matthew  read,  he  said : 
"  These  words  take  hold  on  my  very  heart,  they  make 
me  tremble.  Here  God  commands  us  to  do  every- 
thing that  is  good  in  secret,  and  not  to  be  seen  of 
men.  How  unlike  our  religion  is  this !  When  Bur- 
mans  make  offerings  to  the  pagodas  they  make  a  great 
noise  with  drums  and  musical  instruments  that  others 
may  see  how  good  they  are.  But  this  religion  makes  the 
mind  fear  God ;  it  makes  it  of  its  own  accord  fear  sin." 

In  the  same  letter  she  mentions  a  very  interesting 
meeting  with  the  females  before  mentioned,  fifteen  in 
number,  who  had  for  some  time  received  from  her  re- 
ligious instruction.  Their  love  for,  and  confidence  in 
their  own  religion  seemed  to  be  taken  away ;  the  truth 
seemed  to  have  forced  itself  upon  their  understandings; 
but  the  sinfulness  of  their  hearts,  which  among  neathen 
as  well  as  Christian  nations  is  the  great  obstacle  to  sal- 
vation, could  only  be  removed  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  and 
oh  how  earnest  and  fervent  were  the  prayers  of  their 
teacher  for  the-presence  of  that  heavenly  agent! 

Mr.  Wheelock,  one  of  the  recently  arrived  mission- 
aries,  was  obliged  on  account  of  his  failing  health  to 
try  a  sea-voyage  ;  but  during  the  passage  to  Bengal, 
in  a  paroxysm  of  fever  and  delirium,  he  threw  himself 
overboard  and  was  drowned. 


92  LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

Some  of  the  inquirers  at  the  zayat  had  no  incon- 
siderable powers  of  reasoning  and  argument ;  one  in 
particular,  named  Moung-Shwa-gnong ;  who  would 
spend  whole  days  at  the  zayat,  and  engage  Mr.  Judson 
in  endless  discussions. — Not  satisfied  with  the  Budd- 
hist faith  he  had  become  a  confirmed  skeptic,  and  dis- 
puted every  Gospel  truth  before  he  received  it  with 
much  subtilty  and  ingenuity.  But  after  a  while  he 
found  that  his  visits  at  the  zayat  had  attracted  the 
notice  of  Government,  that  the  viceroy  on  being  told 
he  had  renounced  the  religion  of  his  country,  had  said, 
'  Inquire  further  about  him,'  and  the  missionaries  for  a 
time  saw  him  no  more. 

The  two  candidates  that  next  presented  themselves 
for  baptism,  were  urgent  that  the  ordinance  should  be 
performed,  not  absolutely  in  private,  but  at  sunset  and 
away  from  public  observation.  The  missionaries  dis- 
cussed their  case  long  with  them  and  with  each  other. 
Mr.  Judson's  remarks  on  the  subject,  as  well  as  his  de- 
scription of  the  baptism,  are  so  full  of  that  tenderness 
and  pathos  which  is  eminently  a  'fruit  of  the  Spirit, 
that  we  must  give  them  in  his  own  words. 

"  We  felt  satisfied  that  they  were  humble  disciples 
of  Jesus,  and  were  desirous  of  receiving  this  ordinance 
purely  out  of  regard  to  his  command,  and  their  own 
spiritual  welfare ;  we  felt  that  we  were  all  equally  ex- 
posed to  danger,  and  needed  a  spirit  of  mutual  candor, 


LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON.  93 

and  forbearance,  and  sympathy ;  we  were  convinced, 
that  they  were  influenced  rather  by  desires  of  avoiding 
unnecessary  exposure,  than  by  that  sinful  fear  which 
would  plunge  them  into  apostasy  in  the  hour  of  trial ; 
and  when  they  assured  us  that  if  actually  brought  be- 
fore government,  they  could  not  think  of  denying  their 
Saviour,  we  could  not  conscientiously  refuse  their  re- 
quest, and  therefore  agreed  to  have  them  baptized 
to-morrow  at  sunset."  "  7.  Lord's  day.  We  had  wor- 
ship as  usual  and  the  people  dispersed.  About  half  an 
hour  before  sunset  the  two  candidates  came  to  the 
zayat,  accompanied  by  three  or  four  of  their  friends ; 
and  after  a  short  prayer  we  proceeded  to  the  spot 
where  Moung-Nau  was  formerly  baptized.  The  sun 
was  not  allowed  to  look  on  the  humble,  timid  profes- 
sion. No  wondering  crowd  crowned  the  overshadow- 
ing hill.  No  hymn  of  praise  expressed  the  exulting 
feeling  of  joyous  hearts.  Stillness  and  solemnity 
pervaded  the  scene.  We  felt,  on  the  banks  of  the 
water,  as  a  little,  feeble,  solitary  band.  But  perhaps 
some  hovering  angels  took  note  of  the  event  with 
more  interest  than  they  witnessed  the  late  coronation ; 
perhaps  Jesus  looked  down  on  us,  pitied  and  forgave 
our  weaknesses,  and  marked  us  for  his  own ;  perhaps 
if  we  deny  him  not,  he  will  acknowledge  us  another 
day,  more  publicly  than  we  venture  at  present  to 
acknowledge  him." 


04  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JtTDSON. 

There  was  a  great  falling  off  in  the  attendance  at 
the  zaya£  after  Moung-shwa-gnong's  defection.  None 
dared  call  to  inquire  from  religious  principle,  and  cun 
osity  respecting  the  religion  had  been  fully  gratified. 
It  became  highly  desirable  to  take  some  measures  to 
secure  the  favor  of  the  emperor.  If  he  could  be  made 
propitious,  the  converts  and  the  missionaries  would 
have  nothing  to  fear.  Messrs.  Judson  and  Colman, 
therefore,  leaving  their  families  at  Rangoon,  set  out  on 
their  visit  to  Ava,  to  lay  their  case — as  a  Burman 
would  express  it — before  '  the  golden  feet.'  They  car- 
ried with  them,  as  presents  to  his  majesty,  the  BIBLE, 
in  six  volumes,  covered  with  gold  leaf  in  the  Burman 
style,  each  volume  enclosed  in  a  rich  wrapper ;  and 
many  other  articles  as  presents  to  the  different  mem- 
bers of  the  government 


CHAPTER  XL 

AICEFTION    OF   ME&3RS.  COLMAN   AND   JUDSON    AT    ATA. THEIR,  RETURN  TO 

RANGOON. THEIR     RESOLUTION     TO     LEAVE     RANGOON. OPPOSITION     OF 

MSCIPLES    TO    THIS    MEASURE. INCREASE   OF   DISCIPLES. THEIR  STEAD- 
FASTNESS.  FAILURE    OF    MRS.    JUDSON's    HEALTH. 

THE  passage  up  the  Irrawaddy  to  Ava,  or  rather 
Amerapoora,  which  was  then  the  capital,  was  made 
in  safety  in  a  little  more  than  thirty  days.  They  soon 
found  the  house  of  their  old  friend  the  former  viceroy 
of  Rangoon,  who  now  enjoyed  a  high  post  under 
government.  Here  they  were  kindly  received,  and 
promised  a  speedy  presentation  to  the  "  golden  face," 
i.  e.  the  emperor. 

The  next  day,  Moung  Yo,  a  favorite  officer  of  the 
viceroy,  came  to  take  them  to  the  imperial  palace. 
He  first  introduced  them  to  the  private  minister  of 
state,  who  met  them  very  pleasantly,  received  theii 
presents,  and  a  petition  they  had  prepared  to  the  em- 
peror, which  latter  he  was  examining  when  some  one 
announced  that  the  'golden  foot'  was  about  to  ad- 
vance ;  when  the  minister  hastily  rose  up,  put  on  his 
state-robes,  and  prepared  to  present  them  to  the  em- 


66  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

peror.  They  were  conducted  through  various  splendor 
and  parade,  up  a  flight  of  steps  into  a  magnificent  hall. 
Mr.  Judson  says,  "  The  scene  to  which  we  were  now 
introduced,  really  surpassed  our  expectation.  The 
spacious  extent  of  the  hall,  the  number  and  magnitude 
of  the  pillars,  the  height  of  the  dome,  the  whole  com- 
pletely covered  with  gold,  presented  a  most  grand  and 
imposing  spectacle.  Very  few  were  present,  and  those 
evidently  great  officers  of  state.  Our  situation  pre- 
vented us  from  seeing  the  further  avenue  of  the  hall, 
but  the  end  where  we  sat  opened  into  the  parade  which 
the  emperor  was  about  to  inspect. 

"  We  remained  about  five  minutes,  when  every  one 
put  himself  into  the  most  respectful  attitude,  and  Moung 
Yo  whispered  that  his  majesty  had  entered.  We 
looked  through  the  hall  as  far  as  the  pillars  would  allow, 
and  presently  caught  sight  of  this  modern  Ahasuerus. 
He  came  forward,  unattended — in  solitary  grandeur — 
exhibiting  the  proud  gait  and  majesty  of  an  eastern 
monarch.  His  dress  was  rich  but  not  distinctive,  and 
he  carried  in  his  hand  the  gold-sheathed  sword,  which 
seems  to  have  taken  the  place  of  the  sceptre  of  ancient 
times.  But  it  was  his  high  aspect  and  commanding 
eye,  that  chiefly  rivetted  our  attention.  He  strided  on. 
Every  head  excepting  ours,  was  now  in  the  dust.  We 
remained  kneeling,  our  hands  folded,  our  eyes  fixed  on 
the  Monarch.  When  he  drew  near,  we  caught  his 


LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.   JUDSON.  97 

attention.  He  stopped,  partly  turned  towards  us — 
'  Who  are  these  ?'  '  The  teachers,  great  King,'  I  re- 
plied. '  What,  you  speak  Burman  ? — the  priests  that  I 
heard  of  last  night  ?  When  did  you  arrive  ?  Are  you 
teachers  of  religion?  Are  you  married?  Why  do 
you  dress  so?'  These  and  other  similar  questions  we 
answered ;  when  he  appeared  to  be  pleased  with  us, 
and  sat  down  on  an  elevated  seat — his  hand  resting  on 
the  hilt  of  his  sword,  and  his  eyes  intently  fixed  on 
us." 

Moung  Zah  now  read  their  petition,  which  set  forth 
that  they  were  teachers  of  the  religion  of  their  country, 
and  begged  the  royal  permission  to  teach  the  same  in 
his  dominions  ;  and  also  prayed  that  no  Burman  might 
be  subjected  to  molestation  from  government  for  listen- 
ing to  or  embracing  that  religion ;  and  the  emperor 
after  hearing  it,  took  it  himself,  read  it  through  and 
handed  it  back  without  saying  a  word.  In  the  mean- 
time Mr.  Judson  had  given  Moung  Zah  an  abridged 
copy  of  the  tract  called  a  "  Summary  of  Christian 
Doctrine,"  which  had  been  got  up  in  the  richest  style 
and  dress  possible.  The  emperor  took  the  tract. 
"  Our  hearts,"  says  Mr.  J.,  "  now  rose  to  God  for  a  dis- 
play of  his  grace.  Oh  have  mercy  on  Burmah !  Have 
mercy  on  her  king!"  But  alas  !  the  time  had  not  yet 
come.  He  held  the  tract  long  enough  to  read  the  two 

first  sentences,  which  assert  that  there  is  one  eternal 

7  E 


98  LIFE  OF  MES.   ANN   H.   JUDSON. 

God,  who  is  independent  of  the  incidents  of  mortality, 
and  that  besides  him,  there  is  no  God ;  and  then  with 
an  air  of  indifference,  perhaps  disdain,  he  dashed  it 
down  to  the  ground!  Moung  Zah  stooped  forward, 
picked  it  up  and  handed  it  to  us.  Moung  Yo  made  a 
slight  attempt  to  save  us  by  unfolding  one  of  the 
volumes  which  composed  our  present  and  displaying 
its  beauty,  but  his  majesty  took  no  notice.  Our  fate 
was  decided.  After  a  few  moments  Moung  Zah  inter- 
preted his  royal  master's  will  in  the  following  terms: 
"  In  regard  to  the  objects  of  your  petition,  his  majesty 
gives  no  order.  In  regard  to  your  sacred  books,  his 
majesty  has  no  use  for  them — take  them  away."  j^,-; 
"  He  then  rose  from  his  seat,  strode  on  to  the  end  of 
the  hall,  and  there,  after  having  dashed  to  the  ground 
the  first  intelligence  he  had  ever  received  of  the  eternal 
God,  his  Maker,  Preserver,  his  Judge,  he  threw  him- 
self down  on  a  cushion,  and  lay  listening  to  the  music, 
and  gazing  at  the  parade  spread  out  before  him." 

They  and  their  presents  were  then  hurried  away 
with  little  ceremony.  The  next  day  they  "  ascertained 
beyond  a  doubt,  that  the  policy  of  the  Burman  govern- 
ment is  precisely  the  same  as  the  Chinese ;  that  it  is 
quite  out  of  the  question  whether  any  subjects  of  the 
emperor  who  embrace  a  religion  different  from  his 
own,  will  be  exempt  from  punishment ;  and  that  we, 
in  presenting  a  petition  to  that  effect,  had  been  guilty 


LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  99 

of  a  most  egregious  blunder, — an  unpardonable  of 
fence." 

We  cannot  prevail  on  ourselves  to  give  the  sequel 
of  this  narrative  in  any  other  than  the  beautiful  and 
picturesque  language  of  Mr.  Judson  which  we  have 'so 
often  quoted. 

"It  was  now  evening.  We  had  four  miles  to  walk 
by  moonlight.  Two  of  our  disciples  only  followed  us. 
They  had  pressed  as  near  as  they  ventured  to  the  door 
of  the  hall  of  audience,  and  listened  to  words  which 
sealed  the  extinction  of  their  hopes  and  ours.  Foi 
some  time  we  spoke  not. 

'  Some  natural  tears  we  dropped,  but  wiped  them  soon. 
Tho  world  was  all  before  us,  where  to  choose 
Our  place  of  rest,  and  Providence  our  guide.' 

And  as  our  first  parents  took  their  solitary  way  through 
Eden,  so  we  took  our  way  through  this  great  city. 

"Arrived  at  the  boat,  we  threw  ourselves  down,  ex- 
hausted in  body  and  mind.  For  three  days  we  had 
walked  eight  miles  a  day,  the  most  of  the  way  in  the 
heat  of  the  sun,  which  in  the  interior  of  these  countries 
is  exceedingly  oppressive ;  and  the  result  of  our  toils 
and  travels  has  been — the  wisest  and  best  possible — a 
result,  which,  if  we  could  see  the  end  from  the  begin- 
ning, would  call  forth  our  highest  praise.  O  slow  of 
heart  to  believe  and  trust  in  the  over-ruling  agency  of 
our  own  Almighty  Saviour!" 


100  LIFE   OF  MES.   ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

They  returned  to  Rangoon  by  an  easy  and  rapid 
passage  down  the  river,  and  calling  the  few  disciples 
together  frankly  disclosed  to  them  the  result  of  their 
mission.  To  their  surprise  and  delight  it  only  increased 
their  zeal  and  attachment  for  the  religion  they  had  pro- 
fessed. They  became  in  turn  the  comforters  of  the 
missionaries,  vieing  with  each  other  in  trying  to  con- 
vince them  that  the  cause  was  not  yet  desperate. 
Above  all  were  they  solicitous  that  the  missionaries 
»nould  not  carry  out  a  design  they  had  formed  to  leave 
them,  and  try  to  find  a  field  more  favorable  for  their 
labors.  One  assured  them  he  would  follow  them  to 
rne  end  of  the  world.  Another,  who  having  an  uncon- 
verted wife,  could  not  follow  them,  declared  that  if  left 
there  alone,  he  would  perform  no  other  duties  but  those 
of  Christ's  religion. 

But  what  had  most  weight  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Judson 
in  inducing  them  to  remain,  was  the  fact  that  inquiry 
seemed  to  be  spreading  in  the  neighborhood,  and  that 
there  seemed  a  further  prospect  of  usefulness,  in  spite 
of  the  fear  of  persecution.  They  therefore  concluded 
to  remain  for  the  present  at  Rangoon ;  while  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Colman  should  proceed  to  Arracan  and  form  a 
station  there. 

Thus  again  were  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  alone ;  but  not 
now  exclusively  among  heathen  idolaters.  The  affec- 
tionate zeal  of  the  disciples  rejoiced  their  hearts ;  and 


LIFE  OP  MRS.  ANN  H.   JUDSON.  101 

others,  and  among  them  the  old  disputant,  Moung- 
Shwa-gnong,  seemed  sincere  and  hopeful  inquirers. 
Three  women,  induced  by  him,  also  visited  Mrs.  Juclson 
to  learrt  the  way  of  life.  One  of  these  (the  one  we 
have  before  alluded  to)  was  characterized  by  superioi 
discernment  and  mental  power,  but  exceedingly  timid 
through  fear  of  persecution.  In  one  of  her  conversa- 
tions she  expressed  her  surprise  that  the  effect  of  the 
religion  of  Christ  upon  her  mind  was  to  make  her  love 
his  disciples  more  than  her  dearest  natural  relations. 
This  showed  that  she  was  a  real  disciple,  though  ? 
timid  one.  But  surely  it  is  not  for  us  who  sit  under 
our  own  vine  with  none  to  make  us  afraid,  to  be  severe 
on  these  poor  heathen,  for  not  at  once  overcoming  the 
dread  of  suffering,  so  natural  to  the  human  heart! 
Before  we  judge  them,  let  us  be  very  sure  that  our 
faith  would  endure  the  fires  of  persecution  and  even 
of  martyrdom  which  threatened  them.  They  knew 
of  instances  where  their  countrymen  who  had  em- 
braced the  Roman  Catholic  faith,  had  been  subjected 
to  the  punishment  of  the  iron-mall,  an  instrument  of 
torture  more  dreadful  than  any  employed  against  the 
Scottish  Covenanters,  in  the  times  of  their  bitterest 
persecution.  Sudden  execution  they  might  have 
braved,  though  that  will  appal  almost  any  heart ;  but 
lingering  torture  was  what  they  might  fear,  to  wh»«h 


102  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

death  should  succeed  only  when  nature  could  bear  no 
more. 

Females  in  Christian  countries,  who  think  much  of 
your  self-denials  and  sacrifices,  when 

'  A  moment's  pain,  a  passing  shower, 
Is  all  the  grief  ye  share,' 

how  could  your  hearts  endure  if  called  to  such  trials, 
as  might  at  any  moment  befall  your  poor  sisters  in 
Bur  m  ah ! 

Mrs.  Judson's  health  had  for  some  time  been  failing, 
and  at  length  after  having  gone  through  two  courses 
of  salivation  for  the  liver-complaint,  she  was  obliged 
to  try  a  sea- voyage.  Her  situation  was  too  critical 
for  her  to  think  of  going  alone,  and  Mr.  Judson  con- 
cluded to  accompany  her  to  Bengal.  Two  converts 
expressed  the  strongest  desire  to  profess  Christ,  before 
the  missionaries  should  leave  them.  They  were  ac- 
cordingly baptized.  The  ship  being  detained,  the 
speculative,  hesitating,  but  now  sincere  disciple, 
Moung  Shwa-gnong,  casting  aside  his  fears  and 
scruples,  boldly  avowed  his  faith,  and  desired  baptism. 
Of  course  he  was  joyfully  received.  The  scene  at  his 
baptism  had  such  an  effect  upon  Mah  Meulah,  the 
female  who  has  been  before  mentioned,  that  she  toe 
could  no  longer  delay  a  public  profession  of  faith  in 
Christ.  On  returning  to  the  house  after  receiving  the 


LIFE  OF  MKS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  103 

rite,  she  said,  "Now  I  have  taken  the  oath  of  alle- 
giance to  Jesus  Christ,  and  I  have  nothing  to  do  but  to 
commit  myself,  soul  and  body,  into  the  hands  of  my 
Lord,  assured  that  he  will  never  suffer  me  to  fall 
away!" 

Surely  if  no  other  proof  existed  of  the  power  of 
gospel  truth  to  renew  the  heart  of  men,  a  sufficient 
one  would  be  furnished  here.  In  the  face  of  threatened 
persecution  not  only  were  old  converts  strengthened 
in  their  faith  in,  and  attachment  to  Christ,  but  new 
ones  eagerly  pressed  forward  to  unite  themselves  with 
the  despised  and  humble  flock. 

Nine  males  and  one  female  had  now  been  baptized 
at  the  hazard  of  their  lives;  a  grammar  and  dictionary 
had  been  compiled  and  printed ;  a  portion  of  the  Scrip- 
tures translated  and  printed ;  tracts  had  been  issued ; 
and  so  greatly  had  the  missionaries  gained  in  favor 
with  the  people,  that  as  they  went  down  to  the  ship 
which  was  to  carry  them  to  Bengal,  more  than  a  hun- 
dred natives  followed  them,  testifying  sincere  grief  at 
their  departure. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

ME.  AND    MRS.  JUDSON    VISIT    BENGAL  AND  RETURN. MRS.  JUDSON's  HEALTH 

AGAIN    FAILS. HER    RESOLUTION   TO   VISIT    AMERICA. HER    VOYAGE   TO 

ENGLAND   AND    VISIT   THERE. 

THEY  arrived  in  Calcutta  on  the  8th  of  August,  1820 
The  voyage  was  of  no  essential  benefit  to  Mrs.  J.'» 
health,  neither  was  her  visit  to  Calcutta ;  but  at  Se- 
rampore  she  so  far  recovered  as  to  make  them  desirous 
to  return  to  Rangoon,  where  they  arrived  on  the  5lh 
of  January,  1821.  The  converts  received  them  with 
the  utmost  affection ;  their  old  friend  the  vicereine 
again  occupied  her  former  palace  and  welcomed  M'.s. 
Judson  with  friendly  familiarity,  and  new  inquirers 
presented  themselves  at  the  zayat.  In  translating  the 
Scriptures,  the  acute  and  fertile  mind  of  Moung  Shwa- 
griong  WHS  an  invaluable  assistance,  while  another 
c  •••vt-Mt  »i'  <  !.M>  v.-ixi  intellect  was  e<|u;:'L  useful  in 
*;•.-  ii  T 'i  .ugh  ihr •:,  g!i  Var  of 

being  subjected  to  extortion,  some  o!  them  had  been 
obliged  to  flee  to  the  woods,  not  one  disciple  had  dis- 
graced or  dishonored  his  profession.  A  violent  effort 
had  been  made  by  some  of  Moung  Shwa-gnong's  ene- 


LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.  JODSON.  105 

mies,  to  ruin  him  in  the  opinion  of  the  viceroy,  by 
complaining  of  him  that  he  was  making  every  en- 
deavor "  to  turn  the  priests'  rice-pot  bottom  upwards." 
"  What  consequence  ?"  said  the  viceroy,  "  let  the 
priests  turn  it  back  again"  All  the  disciples  from 
that  time  felt  sure  of  toleration  under  Mya-day-men, 
(the  name  of  the  viceroy.) 

The  history  of  the  next  few  months  presents  nothing 
novel  in  the  life  of  this  little  Christian  community,  to 
which  there  were  however  some  accessions.  But  Mrs. 
Judson  was  gradually  sinking  under  the  disease  which 
had  so  long  troubled  her,  until  at  length  it  was  found  es- 
sential to  her  life  even,  that  she  should  seek  some  more 
propitious  climate.  After  much  anxious  deliberation  it 
was  resolved  that  she  should  sail  for  Bengal,  and  thence 
to  America.  Her  feelings  on  leaving  the  'home  of 
her  heart,'  and  the  husband  of  her  youth,  as  well  as  the 
spiritual  children  that  God  had  given  them  in  that 
heathen  land — to  try  alone  the  perils  of  a  long  and 
tedious  voyage,  in  a  state  of  health  which  rendered  it 
doubtful  whether  she  would  ever  reach  the  land  of  her 
untivity,  or  return  to  that  of  her  adoption — can 
scarcely  be  conceived,  much  less  described.  Her  own 
words  are: 

"  Those  only  who  have  been  through  a  variety  of 
toil  and  privation  to  obtain  a  darling  object,  can  real- 
ize how  entirely  every  fibre  of  the  heart  adheres  to 

E* 


106  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

that  object  when  secured.  Had  we  encountered  no 
difficulties,  and  suffered  no  privations  in  our  attempts 
to  form  a  Church  of  Christ,  under  the  government  of 
a  heathen  despot,  we  should  have  been  warmly  attach- 
ed to  the  individuals  composing  it,  but  should  not  have 
felt  that  tender  solicitude  and  anxious  affection,  as  in 
the  present  case. 

"  Rangoon,  from  having  been  the  theatre  in  which  so 
much  of  the  power,  faithfulness  and  mercy  of  God 
have  been  exhibited  ;  from  having  been  considered  for 
ten  years  past  as  my  home  for  life,  and  from  a  thou- 
sand interesting  associations,  had  become  the  dearest 
spot  on  earth.  Hence  you  will  readily  imagine,  that 
no  ordinary  consideration  would  have  induced  my 
departure." 

She  arrived  in  Calcutta  Sept.  22d,  1821.  Finding 
when  she  reached  there  that  the  American  captains 
of  vessels  declined  taking  passengers,  without  an  ex- 
orbitant price,  she  decided  not  to  take  passage  to 
America.  On  mentioning  her  circumstances  to  a  lady 
in  Calcutta,  the  latter  strongly  recommended  the  ad- 
vantages of  a  voyage  to  England,  on  account  of  the 
superior  accommodations,  medical  advice,  and  female 
passengers  in  English  ships.  A  pious  captain  offered 
to  take  her  for  about  one  third  of  the  price  demanded 
for  a  voyage  to  America,  provided  she  would  share  a 
cabin  with  three  children,  who  were  going  to  England, 


LIFE  OP  MRS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON.  107 

V 

an  ffer  which  she  immediately  accepted.  The  father 
of  .Vie  children  subsequently  arrived  in  Calcutta,  and 
generously  paid  the  whole  price  of  the  cabin,  which 
enabled  her  to  go  without  any  expense  to  the  Board. 

She  writes  :  "  If  the  pain  in  my  side  is  entirely  re- 
moved while  on  my  passage  to  Europe,  I  shall  return 
to  India  in  the  same  ship,  and  proceed  immediately  to 
Rangoon.  But  if  not  I  shall  go  over  to  America,  and 
spend  one  winter  in  my  dear  native  country. 

"Ardently  as  I  desire  to  see  my  beloved  friends  in 
America,  I  cannot  prevail  on  myself  to  be  any  longer 
from  Rangoon  than  is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  pres- 
ervation of  my  life.  I  have  had  a  severe  struggle 
relative  to  my  immediate  return  to  Rangoon  instead 
of  going  to  England.  But  I  did  not  venture  to  go  con- 
trary to  the  convictions  of  reason,  to  the  opinion  of  an 
eminent  and  skilful  physician,  and  the  repeated  injunc- 
tions of  Mr.  Judson. 

"  My  last  letter  from  Rangoon  was  dated  Oct.  26. 
Moung  Shwa-gnong  had  been  accused  before  the  vice- 
roy, and  had  disappeared.  Mr.  Judson  had  felt  much 
anxiety  and  distress  on  his  account,  fearing  he  had 
done  something  in  the  way  of  retraction,  which  pre- 
vented his  visiting  him.  But  in  a  fortnight  he  was 
agreeably  surprised  at  seeing  him  enter.  He  informed 
Mr.  J.  that  having  been  accused,  he  had  thought  it  the 
wisest  way  to  keep  out  of  sight ;  that  he  had  put  all  his 


108  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

family  on  board  a  boat,  and  was  going  up  the  country 
among  the  sect  of  heretics  with  whom  he  once  associ- 
ated, and  had  now  come  to  take  leave,  obtain  tracts, 
gospels,  &c.  Mr.  Judson  furnished  him  with  what 
was  necessary,  and  bid  him  God  speed.  He  will  no 
doubt  do  much  good  among  that  class  of  people,  for  it 
is  impossible  for  him  to  be  any  time  with  his  friends 
without  conversing  on  the  subject  of  religion.  Moung- 
Ing  had  returned,  as  steadfast  and  ?s  much  devoted  to 
the  cause  as  ever.  He  and  Moung  Shwa-ba  spend 
every  evening  in  reading  the  Scriptures,  and  finding 
the  places  where  the  apostles  preached,  on  a  map  which 
Mr.  Judson  has  made  for  them.  Another  Burman  has 
been  baptized,  who  gives  decided  evidence  of  being  a 
true  Christian.  Have  we  not,  my  dear  sir,  every  reason 
to  trust  God  in  future,  when  we  see  what  he  has  done 
in  Rangoon.  Could  you  see  at  once  the  difficulties  in 
the  way  of  the  conversion  of  the  Burmans,  the  grace 
of  God  would  appear  ten  times  as  conspicuous  as  it 
now  does.  When  we  hardly  ventured  to  hope  that  we 
should  ever  see  one  of  them  truly  converted,  how  great 
is  our  joy  to  see  a  little  church  rise  up  in  the  midst  of 
that  wilderness,  consisting  of  thirteen  converted  Bur- 
mans." 

On  her  passage  to  England,  her  old  enemy,  the  liver- 
complaint,  again  attacked  her;  but  bodily  illness  did 
»ot  prevent  her  from  endeavoring  to  benefit  the  souls 


LIFE   OP   MRS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON.  109 

of  her  fellow-passengers ;  and  with  regard  to  two  of 
them,  her  efforts  did  not  seem  unsuccessful. 

On  arriving  in  England,  she  was  cordially  invited 
by  the  Hon.  Joseph  Butterworth,  M.  P.,  to  make  his 
house  her  home.  He  afterward,  at  a  public  meeting, 
referred  to  her  visit  as  "  reminding  him  of  the  apostolic 
admonition,  'Be  not  forgetful  to  entertain  strangers, 
for  thereby  some  have  entertained  angels  unawares.' " 

At  his  house  she  met  many  persons,  distinguished 
for  literature  and  piety,  among  whom  were  Sumner, 
Babington  and  Wilberforce. 

After  spending  some  time  at  Cheltenham,  to  which 
place  she  had  been  sent  for  the  benefit  of  its  waters, 
she  accepted  a  pressing  invitation  to  visit  Scotland, 
where,  as  in  England,  she  received  valuable  presents 
and  innumerable  acts  of  kindness.  The  piety  of  her 
English  friends  seemed  to  her  of  the  most  high-toned 
character,  and  their  ardent  friendship  called  forth  her 
warmest  affections.  Though  on  her  way  to  a  still 
dearer  country,  the  land  of  her  birth,  she  could  not 
part  with  them  without  the  tenderest  regret. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

ids.  JBDSON'S  ARRIVAL  IN  AMERICA. — INFLUENCE  OF  HER  VISIT. — HOSTILK 

OPINIONS. HER     PERSON     AND     MANNERS. EXTRACTS    FROM    HER    LET- 
TERS. 

IN  the  meanwhile  events  of  some  interest  were 
transpiring  in  Burmah.  In  consequence  of  the  perse- 
cution against  Moung  Shwa-gnong  which  had  obliged 
him  to  flee  for  his  life,  and  the  new  vigilance  of  priests 
and  officers  in  respect  to  converts, — the  inquirers 
withdrew  altogether  from  the  mission-house,  and  Mr. 
Judson  was  obliged  to  close  the  zayat,  and  suspend 
public  preaching  on  the  Sabbath,  though  still  the  con- 
verts visited  him  privately,  for  instruction  and  consola- 
tion. 

Mr.  J.'s  solitary  condition  was  however  soon  relieved 
by  the  arrival  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Price,  who  came  to 
share  his  labors  among  the  heathen ;  and  also  by  the 
return  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hough  from  Serampore,  bring- 
ing with  them  the  printing  press,  whose  absence  had 
occasioned  no  small  delay  and  inconvenience  to  Mr. 
Judson  in  his  labors. 


LIFE  OF   MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  Ill 

On  the  25th  of  September,  1822,  Mrs.  J.  arrived  in 
America.  Her  feelings  on  revisiting  her  native  land, 
are  best  learned  from  a  letter  to  Mr.  Judson's  parents, 
dated  Sept.  27. 

"  With  mingled  sensations  of  joy  and  sorrow,  I  ad- 
dress a  few  lines  to  the  parents  of  my  beloved  husband, — 
joy,  that  I  once  more  find  myself  in  my  own  native 
country,  and  with  the  prospect  of  meeting  with  loved 
relatives  and  friends — sorrow,  that  he  who  has  been  a 
participator  in  all  my  concerns  for  the  last  ten  years, 
is  not  now  at  hand  to  partake  with  me  in  the  joyful 
anticipations  of  meeting  those  he  so  much  loves. 

"I  left  Liverpool  on  the  16th  of  August,  and  arrived 
at  New  York  harbor  day  before  yesterday.  On  ac- 
count of  the  prevalence  of  yellow  fever,  prudence 
forbade  my  landing.  Accordingly  I  embarked  on 
board  the  steamboat  for  this  place,  where  I  arrived  a 
few  hours  ago.  It  was  my  intention  to  pass  a  week 
in  Philadelphia  and  then  go  to  Providence,  and  thence 
to  you  in  Woburn,  as  it  would  be  on  my  way  to  Brad- 
ford, where  I  shall  spend  the  winter.  But  Dr.  Stouglv 
ton  wishes  me  to  go  to  Washington,  which  will  detain 
me  in  this  part  of  the  country  a  week  longer.  How- 
ever I  hope  to  be  with  you  in  a  fortnight  from  this 
time.  My  health  is  much  improved  since  I  left  Eng 
land,  and  I  begin  to  hope  the  disorder  is  entirely  eradi 
cated." 


112  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

Of  this  visit  of  Mrs.  Judson  to  America,  Professor 
Gammel  remarks  in  general,  as  follows : 

"  Her  visit  to  the  United  States  forms  an  epoch  of  no 
inconsiderable  importance  in  the  progress  of  interest 
in  missions  among  the  churches  of  various  denomina- 
tions in  this  country.  She  visited  several  of  the  lead- 
ing cities  of  the  Union ;  met  a  large  number  of  associa- 
tions of  ladies ;  attended  the  session  of  the  Triennial 
Convention  at  Washington;  and  in  a  multitude  of  social 
circles,  alike  in  the  South  and  in  the  North,  recited  the 
thrilling  narrative  of  what  she  had  seen  and  experienced 
during  the  eventful  years  in  which  she  had  dwelt  in  a 
heathen  land. 

"  But  relaxation  and  travelling  for  health  and  inter- 
views with  religious  friends,  were  not  her  only  occupa- 
tion. In  her  retirement,  in  addition  to  maintaining  an 
extensive  correspondence,  she  found  time  to  prepare 
the  history  of  the  mission  in  Burmah  which  was  pub- 
lished in  her  name,  in  a  series  of  letters  addressed  to 
Mr.  Butterworth,  the  gentleman  beneath  whose  roof 
•he  had  been  a  guest  during  her  residence  in  England. 
These  records,  which  were  principally  compiled  from 
documents  which  had  been  published  before,  contained 
the  first  continuous  account  of  the  Burman  mission 
ever  given  to  the  public.  The  work  was  widely  read  in 
England  and  America,  and  received  the  favorable  notice 
of  several  of  the  leading  organs  of  public  criticism. 


LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  113 

"  The  influence  which  she  exerted  in  favor  of  the 
cause  of  missions  during  her  brief  residence  of  eight  or 
nine  months  in  the  United  States,  it  is  hardly  possible 
now  to  estimate.  She  enlisted  more  fully  in  the  cause 
not  a  few  leading  minds  who  have  since  rendered  it 
signal  service  both  by  eloquent  vindications  and  by 
judicious  counsels;  and  by  the  appeals  which  she 
addressed  to  Christians  of  her  own  sex,  and  her  fervid 
conversations  with  persons  of  all  classes  and  denomina- 
tions in  America,  as  well  as  by  the  views  which  she 
submitted  to  the  managers  of  the  mission,  a  new  zeal 
for  its  prosecution  was  everywhere  created,  and  the 
missionary  enterprise,  instead  of  being  regarded  with 
doubt  and  misgiving,  as  it  had  been  by  many,  even 
among  Christians,  began  to  be  understood  in  its  higher 
relations  to  all  the  hopes  of  man,  and  to  be  contem- 
plated in  its  true  grandeur,  and  ennobling  moral 
dignity." 

Such  is  the  opinion  of  her  visit  expressed  by  an  ele- 
gant and  enlightened  scholar,  now  that  more  than  a 
quarter  of  a  century  has  passed,  bringing  triumph  to 
the  missionary  cause,  and  honor  to  its  first  founders 
and  advocates ;  but  such  we  regret  to  say  was  not  the 
universal  sentiment  of  her  contemporaries.  Many 
persons  well  remember  the  unfounded  stories  put  in 
circulation  respecting  her,  by  some  whose  motives  we 
will  not  inquire  into,  as  they  would  scarcely  bear 


114  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

investigation,  in  regard  to  her  actions,  her  intentions, 
and  even  her  apparel.  As  her  biographer  remarks  in 
introducing  some  of  her  letters  at  this  period :  "  It  was 
said  that  her  health  was  not  seriously  impaired,  and 
that  she  visited  the  South  with  a  view  to  excite  atten- 
tion and  applause.  To  persons  who  would  put  forth 
or  circulate  such  calumnies,  a  perusal  of  her  letters,  in 
which  she  utters  her  feelings  to  her  friends  without 
reserve,  will,  it  is  hoped,  minister  a  rebuke  sufficiently 
severe  to  awaken  shame  and  penitence ;  and  to  those 
who  may  unwarily  have  been  led  to  form  unfavorable 
opinions  respecting  Mrs.  Judson,  we  cannot  doubt  that 
these  letters  will  afford  welcome  evidence  of  her  modest 
and  amiable  disposition,  consistent  and  exemplary  de- 
meanor, ardent  piety,  and  steady,  irrepressible  devotion 
to  the  interests  of  the  mission." 

^ 
The  person  and  manners  of  Mrs.  Judson  at  this 

time,  were,  according  to  the  testimony  of  some  who 
well  recollect  her,  engaging  and  attractive  in  no  com- 
mon degree.  Her  sweet  and  ready  smile,  her  dark 
expressive  eye,  the  animation  and  sprightliness  of  her 
conversation,  and  her  refined  taste  and  manners,  made 
her  a  favorite  in  all  circles.  Her  dress,  for  which  she 
was  indebted  to  the  liberality  of  British  friends,  was 
more  rch  and  showy  than  she  would  have  chosen  for 
herself,  and  as  has  been  said,  excited  unkind  remarks 


LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN.  H.  JUDSON.  115 

from  some  who  did  not  care  to  investigate  her  reasons 
for  wearing  it.  Elegant  as  it  was  said  to  be,  it  was 
certainly  far  better  she  should  wear  it,  even  at  the  risk 
of  seeming  inconsistency,  than  to  put  her  friends  to  th» 
expense  of  other  and  plainer  clothing. 

As  to  the  imputation  that  she  preferred  the  eclat  oi 
life  in  a  southern  city,  to  the  retirement  of  her  New 
England  home, — it  is  sufficient  to  answer,  that  a  con- 
ititution  relaxed  and  enfeebled  by  ten  years'  residence 
in  a  tropical  climate,  was  ill-fitted  to  bear  the  rigors  of 
a  New  England  winter,  and  as  her  whole  object  in  her 
visit,  was  the  restoration  of  her  health,  she  conceived 
it  her  duty  to  choose  such  a  place  of  sojourn  as  should 
seem  most  favorable  to  it. 

After  a  stay  of  six  weeks  with  her  parents  in  Brad- 
ford, Mrs.  J.  found  it  necessary  to  seek  a  milder 
climate,  and  was  advised  to  try  that  of  Baltimore. 
She  had  a  pleasant  journey  to  that  city,  stopping  one 
day  with  friends  in  New  York,  and  arrived  there  on 
the  5th  of  December.  From  her  letters  written  about 
this  time  we  proceed  to  give  some  extracts. 

"My  journey  to  this  place  was  pleasant,  though 
fatiguing.  I  passed  one  night  only  in  New  York,  and 
spent  a  most  pleasant  evening  in  the  society  of  a  large 
party  of  good  people  who  were  collected  for  the  purpose 
of  prayer.  Many  fervent  petitions  were  presented  in 


116  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H»  JTTDSON. 

behalf  of  the  perishing  Burmans,  and  the  little  church 
established  in  that  country.  It  was  an  evening  to  me 
iuil  of  interest ;  but  I  found  at  the  conclusion,  that  my 
strength  was  quite  exhausted,  and  I  began  to  fear 
whether  I  should  be  able  to  continue  my  journey." 
..."  How  much  of  heaven  might  Christians  enjoy 
even  here  on  earth  if  they  would  keep  in  view  what 
ought  to  be  their  great  object  in  life.  If  they  would 
but  make  the  enjoyment  of  God  their  main  pursuit 
how  much  more  consistent  their  profession  would  be 
with  their  conduct,  how  much  more  useful  their  lives 
and  how  much  more  rapidly  they  would  ripen  for 
eternal  glory." 

"  Christians  do  not  sufficiently  assist  one  another  in 
their  spiritual  walk.  They  are  not  enough  in  the 
habit  of  conversing  familiarly  and  affectionately  on  the 
state  of  each  others'  souls,  and  kindly  encouraging 
each  other  to  persevere  and  get  near  to  heaven.  One 
degree  of  grace  attained  in  this  world,  is  worth  more 
than  every  earthly  enjoyment." 

"  I  ought  to  have  mentioned  that  I  found  much  of 
the  true  missionary  spirit  existing  in  New  York. 

"  I  began  this  letter  some  days  ago,  but  a  violent 
cold  has  prevented  my  finishing  it.  I  am  very  thank- 
ful that  I  am  no  farther  north  than  Baltimore,  for  I  feel 
confident  the  cold  would  soon  destroy  me.  I  have  not 
beer  out  of  the  house  since  I  arrived,  and  hardly  out 


LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  117 

of  my  chamber.  My  health  is  certainly  better  than 
when  I  left  Boston,  though  I  have  a  heavy  cold  and 
some  cough. 

"What  can  be  done  to  excite  a  missionary  spirit  in 
this  country  ?  I  dare  not  engage  in  the  subject  till  I 
am  better.  It  would  take  up  my  whole  soul,  and  retard 
my  recovery.  A  little  while,  and  we  are  in  eternity; 
before  we  find  ourselves  there,  let  us  do  much  foi 
Christ." 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

FURTHER     EXTRACTS    FROM    HER    LETTERS. HER   ILLNESS. — HER    HISTORT 

OF   THE   BURMAN    MISSION. HER   DEPARTDRE   FROM    AMERICA   WITH    MR. 

AND   MRS.  WADE. 

IN  a  letter  to  a  friend  at  "Waterville,  Mrs.  Judson 
gives  a  full  account  of  the  reasons  that  determined  her 
to  pass  the  winter  at  the  south.  She  says:  "I  had 
never  fully  counted  the  cost  of  a  visit  to  ray  native 
country  and  beloved  relatives.  I  did  not  expect  that 
a  scene  which  I  had  anticipated  as  so  joyous,  was 
destined  to  give  my  health  and  constitution  a  shock 
which  would  require  months  to  repair. 

"  During  my  passage  from  England  my  health  was 
most  perfect,  not  the  least  symptom  of  my  original 
disorder  remained.  But  from  the  day  of  my  arrival, 
the  idea  that  I  was  once  more  on  American  ground 
banished  all  peace  and  quiet  from  my  mind,  and  for 
the  first  four  days  and  nights  I  never  closed  my  eyes 
to  sleep!  This  circumstance,  together  with  dwelling 
on  the  anticipated  meeting  with  my  friends,  occasioned 
the  most  alarming  apprehensions. 

"  I  reached  my  father's  about  a  fortnight  after  my  ar- 
rival in  the  country — and  had  not  then  been  able  to 


LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON.  119 

procure  a  single  night's  sleep.  The  scene  which  en- 
sued brought  ray  feelings  to  a  crisis,  nature  was  quite 
exhausted,  and  I  began  to  fear  would  sink.  To  be 
concise,  my  health  began  to  decline  in  a  most  alarming 
manner,  and  the  pain  in  my  side  and  cough  returned. 
I  was  kept  in  a  state  of  constant  excitement  by  daily 
meeting  my  old  friends  and  acquaintances ;  and  during 
the  whole  six  weeks  of  my  residence  at  my  father's,  I 
had  not  one  night's  quiet  rest.  I  felt  the  cold  most 
severely,  and  found,  as  that  increased,  my  cough  in- 
creased." 

She  goes  on  to  say  that  under  these  circumstances, 
she  was  strongly  urged  by  Dr.  Judson,  a  brother  of 
her  husband,  who  was  then  in  Baltimore,  to  remove  to 
the  south,  and  take  up  her  residence  for  the  winter 
with  him  at  his  boarding-house.  She  says  that  painful 
as  it  was  to  leave  her  dear  family,  yet  as  she  knew 
that  freedom  from  company  and  excitement,  as  well  as 
a  milder  climate,  were  absolutely  essential  to  her  re- 
covery, she  was  induced  to  go.  She  adds  that  her 
health  is  so  far  re-established  that  she  is  able  to  give 
five  hours  a  day  to  study  and  to  the  compilation  of 
her  History  of  the  Burman  Mission,  a  work  she  had 
very  much  at  heart 

The  next  passage  in  the  letter  is  of  touching  interest, 
as  showing  the  meekness  of  the  Christian  spirit  in  re- 
ceiving a  rebuke,  whether  merited  or  not. 


120  LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSOA. 

"  Your  kind  hint  relative  to  my  being  injured  by  the 
lavish  attention  of  our  dear  friends  in  this  country,  has 
much  endeared  you  to  my  heart.  I  am  well  aware 
that  human  applause  has  a  tendency  to  elate  the  soul, 
and  render  it  less  anxious  about  spiritual  enjoyments, 
particularly  if  the  individual  is  conscious  of  deserving 
it.  But  I  must  say,  that  since  my  return  to  this  coun- 
try, I  have  often  been  affected  to  tears,  in  hearing  the 
undeserved  praises  of  my  friends,  feeling  that  I  was  far, 
very  far  from  being  what  they  imagined :  and  that 
there  are  thousands  of  poor  obscure  Christians,  whose 
excellences  will  never  be  known  in  this  world,  who 
are  a  thousand  times  more  deserving  of  the  tender  re- 
gard of  their  fellow-Christians  than  I  am. 

"  Yet  I  trust  I  am  grateful  to  my  Heavenly  Father  for 
inclining  the  hearts  of  his  children  to  look  on  me  with 
a  friendly  eye.  The  retired  life  I  now  lead  is  much 
more  congenial  to  my  feelings,  and  much  more  favor- 
able to  religious  enjoyment,  than  when  I  was  kept  in  a 
continual  bustle  of  company.  Yes,  it  is  in  retirement 
that  our  affections  are  raised  to  God,  and  our  souls  re- 
freshed and  quickened  by  the  influences  of  the  Holy 
Spirit.  If  we  would  live  near  the  threshold  of  Heaven, 
and  daily  take  a  glance  at  our  promised  inheritance, 
we  must  avoid  not  only  worldly,  but  religious  dissi- 
pation. Strange  as  it  may  seem,  I  do  believe  there 
is  something  like  religious  dissipation,  in  a  Christian's 


LIFE   OF  MES.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  121 

being  so  entirely  engrossed  in  religious  company,  as  to 
prevent  his  spiritual  enjoyments." 

In  Baltimore,  through  the  influence  of  Dr.  Judson, 
she  had  the  best  medical  advice  and  attendance  the 
city  could  give  ;  and  was  put  upon  a  course  of  mer- 
cury in  order  to  produce  salivation.  She  denied  her- 
self to  company,  and  thus  secured  time  for  writing,  in 
which  employment  she  was  assisted  bv  "  a  pious  ex- 
cellent young  lady,"  whom  she  engaged  as  a  copyist. 
Her  correspondence  was  extensive,  and  occupied  much 
of  her  time.  One  interesting  letter  from  England  in- 
formed her  that  Mr.  Butterworth  had  put  at  interest 
for  her  Burman  school  £100  sterling,  and  that  a  larger 
sum  had  been  collected.  Her  English  physicians  in- 
sisted that  she  could  not  live  in  India,  and  urged  her 
and  her  husband  to  come  to  England,  but  her  determi- 
nation to  return  to  Burmah  was  unalterable. 

On  the  19th  of  February  she  writes  to  her  friend  in 
Waterville  :  "  Your  kind  and  affectionate  letter  found 
me  in  bed,  so  weak  that  I  was  obliged  to  read  it  at  in- 
tervals ;  but  it  afforded  heartfelt  consolation.  Thanks 
to  our  Heavenly  Father  whose  guardian  care  and  love 
I  have  so  largely  experienced.  I  am  now  much  better, 
and  once  more  enjoy  the  prospect  of  gaining  that  de 
gree  of  health  which  will  allow  my  return  to  Burmah, 
•.here  to  spend  my  remaining  days,  few  or  many,  in 

endeavoring  to  guide  immortal  souls  to  that  dear  Re- 

F 


122  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

deemer,  whose  presence  can  make  joyful  a  sick  cham- 
ber, a  dying  bed. 

"  For  the  last  month  I  have  been  very  ill.  The  dis- 
ease seemed  to  be  removed  from  the  liver  to  the  lungs. 
I  have  raised  blood  twice,  which  the  physicians 
thought  proceeded  from  the  lungs,  though  I  am  in- 
clined to  think  it  was  from  the  throat.  I  was  how- 
ever bled  so  frequently  and  so  largely  that  my  strength 
was  quite  reduced.  At  present  I  am  free  from  every 
unfavorable  symptom,  but  am  still  weak. 

"  I  am  rejoiced  to  hear  that  Mr.  Board  man  has  offer- 
ed himself  to  supply  dear  Colman's  place.  If  actuated 
by  motives  of  love  to  God,  and  concern  for  precious 
souls,  tell  him  he  will  never  regret  the  sacrifice,  but 
will  find  those  spiritual  consolations  which  will  more 
than  compensate  him  for  every  privation.  I  shall  re- 
joice to  afford  him  every  assistance  in  the  acquisition 
of  the  language  which  my  health  will  allow,  though  1 
fear  he  will  not  be  ready  to  sail  so  early  as  I  hope  to 
embark. 

"  This  is  the  third  day  I  have  been  writing  this  letter, 
on  account  of  my  weakness.  But  I  am  gaining  a  little 
every  day.  Yesterday  I  had  a  little  female  prayer- 
meeting  in  my  chamber — trust  the  blessed  Saviour 
was  near  us.  Oh  it  is  good  to  get  near  to  God,  and  feel 
whether  in  life  or  death,  we  are  His. 

"  Let  us,  my  dear  sister,  so  live,  that  our  union  to 


LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON.  123 

Christ  may  not  only  be  satisfactory  to  ourselves  but  to 
all  around  us.  On  earth  we  serve  God — in  heaven 
enjoy  him — is  a  motto  I  have  long  wished  to  adopt. 
When  in  heaven  we  can  do  nothing  towards  saving 
immortal  souls." 

In  a  subsequent  letter  she  mentions  receiving  a  jour- 
nal kept  by  her  husband,  with  the  joyful  intelligence 
of  the  accession  of  five  more  converts  to  the  little 
church  there,  three  of  whom  were  females,  and  members 
of  her  Wednesday  meeting.  "  They  have,"  she  says, 
"  set  up  of  their  own  accord  a  female  prayer-meeting. 
Is  not  this  encouraging  ?"  Dr.  Price  had  been  order- 
ed to  Ava  on  account  of  his  medical  skill,  and  Mr. 
Judson  was  about  to  accompany  him  to  make  a  fur- 
ther effort  for  toleration. 

In  March,  Mrs.  Judson  went  to  Washington  to  super- 
intend the  printing  of  her  History  of  the  Mission,  and 
here  she  was  detained  contrary  to  her  wishes  until  the 
last  of  April.  However,  this  detention  gave  her  an 
opportunity  of  meeting  the  Baptist  General  Convention 
which  held  its  session  there  at  that  time.  A  commit- 
tee was  appointed  to  confer  with  her  respecting  the 
Burman  Mission,  and  at  her  suggestion  several  impor- 
tant measures  were  adopted. 

When  the  printing  of  her  work  was  completed,  she 
presented  the  copy-right  to  the  convention.  The  work 
was  favorably  noticed  in  several  leading  journals  of 


124:  LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

the  day,  and  has  circulated  extensively  both  in  Europe 
and  this  country.  It  was  of  great  service  not  only  to 
the  cause  of  the  particular  field  of  which  it  was  the 
history,  but  to  the  cause  of  missions  generally,  in 
awaking  the  public  mind  from  that  strange  apathy  in 
regard  to  our  Saviour's  parting  command  in  which  for 
seventeen  centuries  it  had  for  the  most  part  quietly 
slumbered.  We  say  for  the  most  part,  for  we  do  not 
forget  the  self-denying  labors  of  the  Roman  Catholics 
in  propagating  their  doctrines  in  various  parts  of  the 
world ;  indeed  this  has  always  been  the  bright  redeem- 
ing feature  of  that  system  of  semi-pagan  Christianity. 
Well  would  it  be  if  protestant  Christians  would  imi- 
tate their  zeal  and  self-devotion !  How  strange  that 
centuries  passed,  even  after  the  Reformation,  before 
Christians  began  to  recognize  as  binding  that  solemn 
injunction,  "  Go  ye  into  all  the  world,  and  preach  the 
Gospel  to  every  creature,  with  its  encouraging  promise; 
Lo  I  AM  WITH  YOU  ALWAYS  EVEN  UNTO  THE  END  OP 
THE  WORLD!" 

This  apathy  in  respect  to  the  cause  nearest  her 
heart,  was  a  great  source  of  grief  to  Mrs.  J.  In  a 
letter  to  Dr.  Wayland,  written  in  Washington,  after 
stating  that  she  had  found  that  her  strength  was  not 
sufficiently  restored  to  undertake  a  journey  to  the 
North,  she  says,  "  This,  together  with  the  hope  of  ex- 
c'ling  more  attention  to  the  subject  of  missions  among 


LIFE  OF  MBS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON.  125 

the  members  of  the  General  Convention  which  will 
soon  meet  here,"  has  induced  me  to  remain.  ..."  Oh 
my  brother,  my  heart  sickens  at  the  apathy  and  uncon- 
cern relative  to  the  subject  of  missions  which  are  in 
many  places  exhibited.  I  sometimes  say  to  myself, 
Will  not  the  missionary  flame  become  entirely  extinct, 
and  the  mission  already  established  in  Burmah,  die  for 
want  of  support?  .  .  .  Where  are  our  young  men, 
fired  with  the  love  of  Christ  and  compassion  for  im- 
mortal souls,  who  are  desirous  to  leave  their  comforts 
and  their  homes  for  a  few  years,  to  serve  their  Re- 
deemer in  foreign  lands  ?  Who  is  willing  to  obey  this 
last,  this  most  benevolent  command  of  our  Lord,  Go 
ye  ir^to  all  the  world,  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every 
creature  ?  But  I  must  stop.  Loss  of  sleep  for  this 
night  will  be  the  consequence  of  indulging  myself  thus 
far." 

At  the  above-mentioned  Convention,  Mr.  Jonathan 
Wade  of  New  York,  and  Mr.  George  D.  Boardman  of 
Maine,  had  offered  themselves  as  Missionaries  to  the 
East.  Mr.  Wade  was  soon  after  regularly  appointed 
by  the  Board,  and  with  his  wife,  was  directed  to  take 
massage  for  India  with  Mrs.  Judson.  The  latter  writes 
to  her  sister  from  Boston,  upon  her  arrival  there  from 
the  South,  "We  arrived  in  safety  at  six  o'clock  on 
Thursday.  We  were  immediately  informed  that  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Wade  would  sail  with  me  to  India.  This 


126  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

was  animating  intelligence,  and  I  felt  that  the  hand  of 
God  was  in  it,  for  he  had  heard  my  prayers. 

"  Yesterday  we  went  on  board  the  ship,  chose  my 
cabin,  and  agreed  with  the  captain  to  take  us  all  foi 
twelve  hundred  dollars.  The  accommodations  are 
excellent,  clean  and  airy.  It  is  a  most  beautiful  ship, 
and  the  captain  seems  disposed  to  do  all  in  his  power 
for  our  comfort.  ...  I  am  now  making  preparations 
for  my  passage.  Monday  we  have  a  prayer-meeting, 
and  on  Tuesday  we  go  to  Plymouth.  I  am  doubting 
whether  I  ought  to  go  to  Bradford  again  or  not.  My 
nerves  are  in  such  a  state  that  I  have  to  make  every 
possible  exertion  to  keep  them  quiet.  It  will  only 
increase  my  agitation  to  take  a  formal  leave  of  my 
friends  and  home." 

On  the  22d  of  June,  1823,  they  sailed  from  Boston 
amidst  every  demonstration  of  personal  attachment 
and  Christian  sympathy.  They  carried  with  them  a 
valuable  present  and  a  letter  from  the  Convention  to 
the  Burman  emperor,  sent  in  the  hope  of  conciliating 
his  favor  toward  the  missionaries. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

MESSRS.    JDD8C/N    AND    PRICE    VISIT   ATA. — THEIR   RECEPTION   AT    COURT.  — 

THEIR    RETURN    TO    RANGOON. MRS.   JUDSON'S     RETURN. A    LETTER   TO 

HER    PARENTS    DESCRIBING    THJUR   REMOVAL   TO   AVA. DESCRIPTION    Of 

AVA. 

IT  was  mentioned  that  during  Mrs.  Judson's  absence 
from  Burmah,  Dr.  Price,  the  fame  of  whose  medical 
skill  had  reached  the  'golden  ears/  had  been  ordered 
to  Ava,  and  that  Mr.  Judson  had  determined  to  make 
another  attempt  to  procure  toleration  for  the  Christians 
by  a  second  visit  to  the  capital.  In  a  boat  furnished 
by  government,  they  left  Rangoon,  embarked  for  Ava, 
then  the  capital,  and  were  immediately  introduced  to 
the  king.  Dr.  Price  was  graciously  received,  but  at 
the  first  interview  Mr.  Judson  was  scarcely  noticed. 
Of  the  second  interview,  we  will  give  the  account 
in  Mr.  Judson's  own  words. 

"  To-day  the  king  noticed  me  for  the  first  time.  . 
After  some  time  he  said,  'And  you,  in  black,  what 
are  you  ?  a  medical  man  too  ?'  '  Not  a  medical  man, 
but  a  teacher  of  religion,  your  Majesty.'  He  proceed- 
ed to  make  a  few  inquiries  about  my  religion,  and  then 
put  the  alarming  inquiry  whether  any  had  embraced 


128  LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

it.  I  evaded  by  sayiug  'Not  here.'  He  persisted 
'Are  there  any  in  Rangoon?'  'There  are  a  few, 
'  Are  they  foreigners  ?'  I  trembled  for  the  conse- 
quence of  an  answer  which  might  involve  the  little 
church  in  ruin ;  but  the  truth  must  be  sacrificed  or 
the  consequences  hazarded ;  and  I  therefore  replied, 
'  There  are  some  foreigners  and  some  Burmans.'  He 
remained  silent  a  few  moments,  but  presently  showed 
he  was  not  displeased,  by  asking  a  great  variety  of 
questions  on  religion,  and  geography  and  astronomy, 
some  of  which  were  answered  in  such  a  satisfactory 
manner,  as  to  occasion  a  general  expression  of  satis- 
faction in  all  the  court  present. 

"  After  his  Majesty  retired,  a  royal  secretary  entered 
into  conversation,  and  allowed  me  to  expatiate  on 
several  topics  of  religion  in  my  usual  way.  And  all 
this  took  place  in  the  presence  of  the  very  man,  now 
an  Atwenwoon,  (one  of  the  highest  officers)  who  many 
years  ago,  caused  his  uncle  to  be  tortured  under  the 
iron  mall,  for  renouncing  Buddhism  and  embracing  the 
Romish  religion !  .  .  . 

"  Thanks  to  God  for  the  encouragement  of  this  day ! 
The  monarch  of  the  empire  has  distinctly  understood, 
that  some  of  his  subjects  have  embraced  the  Christian 
religion,  and  his  wrath  has  been  restrained." 

He  afterwards  had  another  interview,  in  which  the 
king  inquired  much  about  America,  and  authorized 


LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  129 

him  to  invite  her  ships  to  his  dominions,  assuring  them 
of  protection  and  facilities  for  trade. 

He  mentions  much  flattering  attention  paid  him  by 
a  prince  of  the  empire  and  his  wife  who  was  the  king's 
sister,  both  of  whom  urged  him  not  to  return  to  Ran- 
goon, but  to  bring  his  wife  and  reside  in  Ava.  In  fact 
several  dignitaries  of  the  empire  were  so  far  attracted 
by  the  new  theories  in  religion  and  science,  as  to  enter 
into  animated  discussions  with  the  missionaries  re- 
specting them.  The  prince  above  mentioned  was  an 
interesting  character.  Mr.  Judson  went  so  far  as 
boldly  to  urge  upon  him  the  duty  of  making  personal 
religion  his  immediate  care.  For  a  moment  he  was 
moved,  but  soon  replied,  that  he  was  young,  only 
twenty-eight.  That  he  was  desirous  of  enlarging  his 
mind  by  an  acquaintance  with  all  foreign  science,  and 
then  he  could  judge  whether  Christianity  was  worthy 
of  his  adoption  or  not.  But,  said  Mr.  Judson,  suppose 
you  change  worlds  in  the  meantime  ?  His  counte- 
nance fell,  and  he  said  sadly,  "  It  is  true,  I  do  not  know 
when  I  shall  die." 

How  true  it  is  that  "as  in  water  face  answereth  to 
face,  so  doth  the  heart  of  man  to  man."  Left  without 
excuse,  this  poor  impenitent  Burman,  like  thousands  in 
Am&rica,  almost,  but  not  altogether  persuaded  to  be 
Christians,  postponed  what  he  could  not  but  purpose, 

to  a  more  convenient  season. 

9  y 


130  CJFE  OF  MRS.   AN]S    H.   JUDSON. 

On  anoxner  occasion,  so  many  persons  of  high  rank 
expressed  themselves  favorably  to  the  Christian  faith 
that  one  who  had  not  hitherto  ventured  to  defend  the 
missionaries  in  the  presence  of  the  king  was  bold 
enough  to  say,  "  Nearly  all  the  world,  your  Majesty, 
believe  in  an  eternal  God  ;  all  but  Burmah  and  Siam 
these  little  spots !"  His  Majesty  remained  silent,  and 
soon  abruptly  rose  and  retired. 

Before  returning  to  Rangoon  Mr.  Judson  had  an 
interesting  interview  with  the  king.  "  Why,"  asked  the 
latter,  "  does  the  teacher  return  to  Rangoon  ?  let  him 
and  Price  stay  together.  If  one  goes,  the  other  must 
remain  alone,  and  will  be  unhappy."  Some  one  pres- 
ent explained  that  he  was  going  for  his  wife  and 
goods,  and  would  soon  return.  His  Majesty  said, 
"  Will  you  then  come  again  ?"  and  expressed  a  wish 
that  he  should  do  so  and  remain  permanently.  He 
and  Dr.  Price  had  previously  erected  a  house  near  Ava 
on  •  some  land  granted  them  by  the  king,  which  house 
was  to  be  occupied  by  Dr.  P.  until  Mr.  Judson's 
return. 

The  following  letter  from  Mr.  Judson  dated  Dec.  7, 
1823,  announces  the  arrival  of  his  wife  in  Rangoon. 
"  I  had  the  inexpressible  happiness  of  welcoming  Mrs. 
Judson  once  more  to  the  shores  of  Burmah,  on  the  5th 
instant.  We  are  now  on  the  eve  of  departure  for 
Ava. 


LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  181 

"  My  last  letter  from  brother  Price  mentions  that  the 
king  has  inquired  many  times  about  my  delay,  arid  the 
queen  has  expressed  a  strong  d^iire  to  see  Mrs.  Jud- 
son  in  her  foreign  dress.  We  sincerely  hope  her 
majesty's  curiosity  will  not  be  confined  to  dress 

"  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wade  appear  to  be  in  fine  healtn  ana 
spirits,  and  I  am  heartily  rejoiced  at  their  arrival  just 
at  the  present  time." 

Rumors  of  a  war  between  the  British  and  Burmans 
were  growing  more  and  more  prevalent,  and  alas, 
proved  but  too  well  founded.  From  the  very  last 
letter  written  by  Mrs.  Judson  before  this  most  un- 
happy and  disastrous  war,  we  shall  now  make  some 
extracts. 

"Ava,  February,  10,  1824. 
•'  MY  DEAR  PARENTS  AND  SISTERS, 

After  nearly  two  years  and  a  half  wandering,  you 
will  be  pleased  to  hear  that  I  have  at  last  arrived  at 
home,  so  far  as  this  life  is  concerned,  and  am  once 
more  quietly  and  happily  settled  with  Mr.  Judson. 
When  I  retrace  the  scenes  through  which  I  have  pass- 
ed, the  immense  space  1  have  traversed,  and  the  various 
dangers,  seen  and  unseen,  from  which  I  have  been  pre- 
jervecf,  my  heart  is  filled  with  gratitude  and  praise  to 
that  Being,  who  has  at  all  times  been  my  protector 
and  marked  out  all  my  way  before  me.  .  .  . 

We  had  a  quick  and  pleasant  passage  from  Calcutta 


132  LIFE  OF  MBS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

to  Rangoon,  and  in  seven  days  after  our  arrival  there 
we  Were  on  our  way  to  this  place.     Our  progress  up 
the  river  was  slow  jadeed.     The  season  however  is 
cool  and  delightful,  we  were  preserved  from  dangers 
by  day  and  robbers  by  night,  and  arrived  in  safety  in 
six  weeks.     The  Irrawaddy  is  a  noble  river  ;  we  often 
walked  through  the  villages  on  its  banks,  and  though 
we  never  received  the  least  insult,  we  always  attracted 
universal  attention.      A  foreign  female  was  a  sight 
never  before  beheld,  and  all  were  anxious  that  their 
friends  and  relations  should  have  a  view.     Crowds 
followed  us  through  the  villages,  and  some  less  civil- 
ized than  the  others,  would  run  some  way  before  us, 
in  order  to  have  a  long  look  as  we  approached  them." 
.  .  .  After  relating  a  conversation  with  the  natives  on 
the   subject  of  religion,  and   a   narrow  escape  from 
drowning ;  she  comes  to  their  arrival  at  Ava,  where 
they  had  difficulties  such  as  she  had  never  before  ex- 
perienced.    Dr.  Price  urged  their  going  immediately 
to  the  house  he  had  just  erected  ;  but  it  was  of  brick, 
and  the  walls  still  so  damp  that  they  did  not  dare  oc- 
cupy it.     She  says,  "  We  had  but  one  alternative,  and 
that  was  to  remain  in  the  boat  till  they  could  build  a 
small  house  on  the  piece  of  ground  which  the  king 
gave  to  Mr.  J.  last  year.     And   you  will   hardly  be- 
lieve it  possible,  for  I  almost  doubt  my  senses,  that  in 
just  a  fortnight  frr    j  our  arrival,  we  moved  into  a 


LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON.  133 

house  built  in  that  time,  which  is  large  enough  to 
make  us  comfortable.  It  is  in  a  most  delightful  situa- 
tion, out  of  the  dust  of  the  town  and  on  the  bank  of 
the  river.  .  .  .  Our  house  is  in  a  healthy  situation,  is 
raised  four  feet  from  the  ground,  and  consists  of  three 
small  rooms  and  a  verandah. 

We  hardly  know  how  we  shall  bear  the  hot  season 
which  is  just  commencing,  for  our  house  is  built  of 
boards,  and  before  night  is  heated  like  an  oven 
Nothing  but  brick  is  a  shelter  from  the  heat  at  Ava, 
where  the  thermometer  even  in  the  shade  frequently 
rises- to  108  degrees.  We  have  worship  every  evening 
in  Burman,  when  a  number  of  the  natives  assemble, 
and  every  Sabbath  Mr.  Judson  preaches  the  other  side 
of  the  river  in  Dr.  Price's  house.  We  feel  it  an  ines- 
timable privilege  that  amid  all  our  discouragements  we 
have  the  language,  and  are  able  constantly  to  commu- 
nicate truths  which  can  save  the  soul." 

She  then  mentions  that  she  has  commenced  a  female 
school  with  three  little  girls,  two  of  them  given  her  by 
their  parents,  fine  children,  who  improve  very  rapidly, 
and  that  she  has  a  prospect  of  more  pupils.  They  did 
not  immediately  visit  the  palace,  as  the  royal  family 
were  absent  on  a  visit  at  Amarapoora,  their  old  capital, 
where  they  were  to  remain  until  the  new  palace  in 
Ava  should  be  finished.  She  found  her  old  friend  the 
viceroy  s  wife  now  degraded  by  the  death  of  her  hus 


LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

band  to  a  low  rank,  but  a  sensible  woman,  and  more 
capable,  Mrs.  J.  thought,  of  receiving  religious  trutk 
than  when  in  public  life.  She  adds  tnat  in  consequence 
of  war  with  the  Bengal  government,  foreigners  are  not 
in  as  much  esteem  at  court  as  formerly — even  Ameri 
cans  shared  the  same  disfavor  as  Englishmen,  for  being 
similar  in  features,  dress,  language  and  religion,  it  is 
not  surprising  that  the  Burmans  should  have  con- 
founded them  as  subjects  of  one  government.  From 
the  circumstance  of  money  being  remitted  to  them 
through  English  residents  in  Ava,  they  were  even 
suspected  of  being  paid  spies  of  the  East  India  Com- 
pany— but  this  was  at  a  somewhat  later  period. 

The  capital  of  Burmah  is  not  fixed,  but  changes 
with  the  caprice  of  the  monarch,  for  wherever  he  fixes 
his  imperial  residence,  there,  for  the  time,  is  the  capital. 
Ava,  the  former  capital,  having  been  forsaken  during 
the  reign  of  the  old  king  for  Amarapoora,  was  again 
to  be  the  royal  residence,  and  for  this  purpose  a  mag- 
nificent palace  had  been  there  erected,  of  which  the 
emperor  was  now  to  take  possession.  On  these  occa- 
sions, all  the  gorgeousness  of  oriental  magnificence 
has  its  full  display.  Such  a  scene  the  missionaries 
witnessed  soon  after  their  arrival  at  Ava.  Mrs.  Jud- 
son  gives  an  animated  description  of  that  splendid  day, 
when  majesty  with  all  its  attendant  glory  entered  the 


LIFE   OP  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  135 

gates  of  the  golden  city,  and  amid  the  acclamations  of 
millions,  took  possession  of  the  palace.  The  numerous 
horses,  the  immense  variety  of  vehicles,  the  vast  num- 
ber and  size  of  richly  caparisoned  elephants,  the  myriads 
of  people  in  their  gala  dresses,  the  highest  officers  in 
the  kingdom  drawn  from  the  most  distant  as  well  as 
the  nearer  provinces  to  grace  the  occasion,  each  in  his 
robes  of  state,  the  magnificent  white  elephant,  capari- 
soned with  silk  and  velvet,  and  blazing  with  jewels,  the 
king  and  queen,  in  simple  majesty,  alone  unadorned 
amid  the  gaudy  throng,  surpassed  any  pageant  ever 
exhibited  in  the  western  world.  Alas!  this  pomp  and 
pride  were  soon  to  receive  a  disastrous  humiliation. 


CHAPTEE  XVL 

WAR   WITH   THE     BKITISH. NARRATIVE    OF   THK     SUFFERINGS    OK   THE   MIS- 
SIONARIES   DURING    THE   WAR. 

IN  1824  news  reached  America  of  the  breaking  out 
of  war  between  Burmah  and  British  India.  This  of 
course  excited  the  most  anxious  interest  for  the  fate 
of  the  Americans  in  that  country.  At  length  anxiety 
was  somewhat  relieved  by  the  intelligence  that  Messrs. 
Wade  and  Hough  with  their  families,  who  had  remain- 
ed at  Rangoon,  were,  after  dreadful  sufferings,  safe 
under  British  protection.  But  over  the  fate  of  Mr, 
and  Mrs.  Judson  hung  the  silence  of  death,  or  of  a 
suspense  worse  than  death,  for  more  than  two  years, 
until  hope  itself  died  in  the  hearts  of  their  friends  and 
kindred. 

But  although  in  this  long  period  of  doubt  and  dark- 
ness, busy  fancy  had  pictured  many  scenes  of  terror 
and  many  forms  of  violent  death,  as  the  possible  lot  of 
the  missionaries ;  yet  in  her  wildest  flights  she  never 
could  have  conceived  of  the  terrible  reality  which 
they  endured,  not  for  days  and  weeks  only,  but  fo? 


LIFE   OF  MRS.   A.NN  H.   JUDSON.  137 

eighteen  weary  months.  The  wildest  tale  of  fiction 
has  never  depicted  more  cruel  anguish,  more  appalling 
suffering  borne  with  more  heroic  energy,  and  more 
sublime  fortitude — the  wildest  fiction  would  not  dare 
to  portray  woman's  love  and  faith  and  Christian  hope, 
so  long  triumphant  over  insult  and  outrage,  and  torture 
and  death  itself.  Who  after  reading  the  following 
narrative  of  an  heroic  female's  unparalleled  endurance, 
will  ever  say  that  woman's  is  a  feeble  nature,  inca- 
pable of  withstanding  the  rude  shocks  of  adverse  for- 
tune ?  Nay,  who  will  not  rather  say,  that  in  woman, 
hope  and  faith,  and  fortitude  and  energy,  make  evcu 
the  trail  body  immortal,  till  her  labor  of  love  is  accom- 
plished, and  its  cherished  object  is  rescued  from  peril  ? 

"  The  war  which  now  broke  out  between  the  Bur- 
man  government  and  that  of  the  English  in  Bengal, 
forms  an  important  era  in  the  history  of  the  mission. 

"  Its  first  effect  was  to  put  an  end  to  the  labors  of  the 
missionaries,  and  involve  them  in  unspeakable  suffer 
ings,  yet  in  accordance  with  a  mysterious  though  bene- 
ficent law  of  human  affairs,  its  ultimate  issues  have 
proved  favorable  not  only  to  the  interests  of  that  par- 
ticular mission,  but  also  to  the  further  extension  oi 
Christian  civilization  among  the  thickly  peopled  coun- 
tries of  Eastern  India.  The  war  had  its  origin  in 
feuds  which  had  long  existed  on  the  frontiers  of  Chit- 


138  LIFE  OP  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

tagong."  Some  Burman  criminals  had  escaped  to 
that  territory,  where  as  it  was  alleged  they  were  pro- 
tected by  British  power.  The  Burman  monarch  de- 
termined to  chastise  the  English  by  making  war  on 

• 

their  government,  and  had  raised  thirty  thousand 
troops  under  the  command  of  his  greatest  warrior 
Bandula  ;  but  the  East  India  Company  anticipated  his 
movements,  and  landed  their  forces  at  Rangoon  so 
suddenly  and  unexpectedly,  that  the  city  fell  into  their 
hands  with  scarcely  a  show  of  resistance.  This  was 
the  first  news  that  reached  Ava  of  the  commencement 
of  hostilities.  It  surprised  the  court  there,  but  by  no 
means  alarmed  them.  Never  having  come  into  colli- 
sion with  the  English,  and  having  the  most  extravagant 
conceit  of  their  own  invincibility,  they  did  not  for  a 
moment  doubt  their  power  to  drive  the  invaders  from 
their  country ;  and  even  sent  by  one  of  their  generals 
a  pair  of  golden  fetters  with  which  to  chain  the  gov- 
ernor-general, and  bring  him  captive  to  Ava. 

The  first  effect  of  the  intelligence  of  the  war  upon 
the  situation  of  the  missionaries,  was  an  order  that  no 
man  wearing  a  hat  should  enter  the  palace.  This  was 
somewhat  startling,  still  nothing  of  importance  occur- 
red for  several  weeks,  during  which  Mrs.  J.  continued 
her  school,  while  her  husband  went  on  building  a  house. 
But  at  length  suspicion  having  been  excited  that  the 
Englishmen  who  resided  in  Ava  were  spies,  they  were 


LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.   JTJDSON.  139 

seized  and  put  in  confinement.  Dr.  Price  and  Mr. 
Judson  were  strictly  examined  also,  but  nothing  being 
proved  against  them,  they  were  left  at  liberty.  They 
might  probably  have  escaped  further  molestation,  had 
it  not  been  found  in  examining  the  accounts  of  one  of 
the  Englishmen,  that  he  had  paid  over  considerable 
money  to  the  missionaries.  Ignorant  of  money  tran- 
sactions as  carried  on  by  foreigners,  this  was  an  evi- 
dence to  the  natives,  that  the  teachers  were  in  the  pay 
of  the  British,  and  probably  spies.  This  being  repre- 
sented to  the  king,  he  gave  an  angry  order  for  their 
arrest. 

On  the  8th  of  June,  Mr.  Judson's  house  was  rudely 
entered  by  an  officer,  followed  by  eight  or  ten  men, 
one  of  whom,  by  the  hideous  tattooing  on  his  face, 
they  knew  to  be  the  executioner,  or  'son  of  the  prison.' 
On  seeing  Mr.  Judson — "  You  are  called  by  the  king," 
said  the  officer,  the  usual  form  of  arrest.  In  an  instant 
the  spotted-faced  man  threw  him  on  the  floor,  and 
drew  forth  that  instrument  of  torture,  the  small  cord. 
Mrs.  Judson  tried  in  vain  to  bribe  him  with  money. 
"  Take  her  too,"  said  the  officer,  "  she  also  is  a 
foreigner."  But  this  order  Mr.  Judson  prevailed  on 
them  to  disregard.  All  was  now  confusion  and  dis- 
may, the  children  crying,  the  neighbors  collecting 
around  and  in  the  house,  while  the  executioner  bound 
Mr.  Judson  with  the  cords,  and  took  a  fiendish  pleas- 


140  LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

ure  in  making  them  as  tight  as  possible.    Mrs.  Judson 
gave  Moung  Ing  money  that  he  might  follow  and  pro 
cure  a  mitigation  of  this  torture,  instead  of  which,  Mr 
Judson  was  again  thrown  down,   and  the  cords  so 
tightened  as  almost  to  prevent  respiration.     Then  he 
was  hurried  on  to  the  court-house,   thence  to  "  the 
death  prison,"  into  which  he  was  hurled,  and  Moung 
Ing  saw  him  no  more. 

We  may  imagine  the  intolerable  agony  of  Mrs.  Jud- 
son when  the  faithful  disciple  returned  with  the  sad 
news  of  his  master's  fate.  Retiring  to  her  room, 
she  tried  to  find  consolation  in  casting  her  dreadful 
burden  of  fear  and  suspense  on  her  covenant  God, 
But  soon  her  retirement  was  invaded  by  the  ma 
gistrate  of  the  place,  who  ordered  her  to  come  out 
and  submit  to  an  examination.  Of  course  she  was 
obliged  to  obey,  but  before  doing  so  she  destroyed 
every  writing  she  possessed,  letters,  journals,  every- 
thing, lest  her  correspondence  with  her  British  friends 
should  confirm  the  suspicions  of  their  persecutors. 
When  the  magistrate  had  satisfied  himself  with  the  ex- 
amination, he  placed  a  guard  of  ten  ruffians  about 
the  house,  with  orders  that  no  one  should  enter  or  leave 
it  on  pain  of  death. 

Taking  her  four  little  Burman  girls  into  an  inner 
room  she  barred  the  door,  and  obstinately  refused  to 
come  out,  although  the  guard,  bent  on  tormenting  her, 


LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  141 

threatened  to  break  the  door  down  if  she  did  not.  She 
prevented  this  outrage  by  a  threat  to  complain  of  their 
conduct  in  the  morning  to  higher  authorities,  but  in 
revenge  they  bound  her  two  Bengalee  servants  fast  in 
the  stocks  in  a  most  painful  posture.  By  bribes  and 
promises  she  at  length  induced  them  to  release  the 
servants ;  but  their  dreadful  carousings,  and  horrid 
language,  combined  with  her  suspense  in  regard  to  her 
husband's  fate,  rendered  that  long  night  one  of  un- 
mitigated wretchedness. 

In  the  morning,  Moung  Ing,  whom  she  had  sent  to 
the  prison,  returned  with  the  intelligence  that  all  the 
white  foreigners  were  in  the  death-prison  chained  with 
three  pairs  of  fetters  each  to  a  pole,  to  prevent  their 
moving !  "  The  point  of  anguish  now  was,"  she  says, 
"  that  I  was  a  prisoner  myself,  and  could  make  no 
efforts  for  their  relief."  She  earnestly  but  vainly  beg- 
ged the  magistrate  to  allow  her  to  go  and  state  the 
case  to  some  government  officer;  she  even  wrote  a 
letter  to  the  queen's  sister,  who  was  civil,  but  afraid  to 
interfere  in  their  behalf.  "  The  day,"  she  says,  "  wore 
heavily  away,  and  another  dreadful  night  was  before 
me.  I  endeavored  to  soften  the  feelings  of  the  guard, 
by  giving  them  tea  and  segars  for  the  night ;  so  that 
they  allowed  me  to  remain  inside  my  room,  without 
threatening  as  they  did  the  night  before."  But,  haunted 
by  the  idea  of  her  dear  husband's  tortures,  which  she 


142  LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

was  neither  permitted  to  share  nor  alleviate,  she  of 
course  passed  another  night  of  anguish. 

The  next  day  she  sent  a  message  to  the  governor 
of  the  city,  to  allow  her  to  visit  him  with  a  present. 
This  was  successful,  and  the  guards  had  orders  to 
permit  her  to  go  into  town.  She  was  pleasantly  re- 
ceived, stated  the  situation  of  the  teachers,  and  assured 
the  governor  that  being  not  Englishmen  but  Ameri- 
cans, they  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  war.  She  was 
referred  to  a  head  officer  with  whom  she  might  con- 
sult as  to  the  means  of  making  the  prisoners  more 
comfortable  ;  but  their  release  was  out  of  the  question. 
The  first  sight  of  this  officer,  whose  face  exhibited  the 
working  of  every  evil  passion,  inspired  her  with  dread  ; 
but  he  was  the  only  one  who  could  assist  her.  "  He 
took  me  aside,  and  endeavored  to  convince  me  that 
myself,  as  well  as  the  prisoners,  was  entirely  at  his  dis- 
posal— that  our  future  comfort  must  depend  on  my 
liberality  in  regard  to  presents — and  that  these  must 
be  made  in  a  private  way,  and  unknown  to  any  officer 
of  government!  What  must  I  do,  said  I,  to  obtain  a 
mitigation  of  the  sufferings  of  the  two  teachers? 
'  Pay  to  me,'  said  he,  '  two  hundred  tickals,  (about  a 
hundred  dollars,)  two  pieces  of  fine  cloth,  and  two 
pieces  of  handkerchiefs.'  At  length  however  he  con- 
sented to  take  what  money  she  had  about  her,  which 
was  a  considerable  sum,  and  promised  to  relieve  the 


LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  148 

teachers  from  their  most  painful  situation.  She  goes 
on: 

"  I  then  procured  an  order  from  the  governor  for 
my  admittance  into  the  prison,  but  the  sensation  pro- 
duced by  meeting  my  husband  in  that  wretched,  horrid 
situation,  and  the  scene  that  ensued,  I  shall  not  at- 
tempt to  describe.  He  crawled  to  the  door  of  the 
prison — for  I  was  never  allowed  to  enter — gave  me 
some  directions  relative  to  his  release ;  but  before  we 
could  make  any  arrangement,  1  was  ordered  to  depart 
by  those  iron-hearted  jailers,  who  could  not  endure  to 
see  us  enjoy  the  poor  consolation  of  meeting  in  that 
miserable  place.  In  vain  I  pleaded  the  order  of  the 
governor  for  my  admittance ;  they  again  harshly  re- 
peated, '  Depart,  or  we  will  pull  you  out.' '  The  same 
evening  all  the  foreigners  succeeded,  by  the  payment 
of  money,  in  being  removed  from  the  common  prison 
to  an  open  shed,  where  Mrs.  Judson  was  allowed  to 
send  them  food,  and  mats  to  sleep  on,  but  for  some 
days  was  not  permitted  to  see  them. 

Nothing  but  her  own  eloquent  words  can  do  justice 
to  the  transactions  that  followed.  We  copy  as  before 
from  her  letter,  written  two  years  subsequent  to  these 
events,  to  her  brother-in-law,  Dr.  Judson. 

"  My  next*  object  was  to  get  a  petition  presented  to 
the  queen,  but  no  person  being  admitted  into  the 
palace  who  was  in  disgrace  with  his  majesty,  I  sought 


144  LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

to  present  it  through  the  medium  of  her  brother's  wife. 
I  had  visited  her  in  better  days,  and  received  par- 
ticular marks  of  her  favor.  But  now,  times  were 
altered,  Mr.  Judson  was  in  prison,  and  I  in  distress, 
which  was  a  sufficient  reason  for  giving  rne  a  cold 
reception.  I  took  a  present  of  considerable  value. 
She  was  lolling  on  her  carpet  as  I  entered,  with  her 
attendants  around  her.  I  waited  not  for  the  usual 
question  to  a  suppliant,  '  What  do  you  want  ?'  but  in  a 
bold,  earnest  yet  respectful  manner,  stated  our  dis- 
tresses and  our  wrongs,  and  begged  her  assistance. 
She  partly  raised  her  head,  opened  the  present  I  had 
brought,  and  coolly  replied, '  Your  case  is  not  singular; 
all  the  foreigners  are  treated  alike.'  But  it  is  singular, 
said  I,  the  teachers  are  Americans ;  they  are  minis- 
ters of  religion,  have  nothing  to  do  with  war  or 
politics,  and  came  to  Ava  in  obedience  to  the  king's 
command.  They  have  never  done  anything  to  deserve 
such  treatment ;  and  is  it  right  they  should  be  treated 
thus  ?  '  The  king  does  as  he  pleases,'  said  she,  '  I  am 
not  the  king,  what  can  I  do  ?'  You  can  state  their 
case  to  the  queen  and  obtain  their  release,  replied  I. 
Place  yourself  in  my  situation — were  you  in  America, 
your  husband,  innocent  of  crime,  thrown  into  prison, 
in  irons,  and  you  a  solitary,  unprotected  female — what 
would  you  do?  With  a  slight  degree  of  feeling,  she 
said,  '  I  will  present  your  petition  ;  come  again  to- 


LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  145 

morrow  "  I  returned  to  the  house,  with  considerable 
hope  .at  the  speedy  release  of  the  missionaries  was  at 
hanu.  But  the  next  day,  the  property  of  Mr.  Gouger, 
(one  of  the  Englishmen,)  amounting  to  25,000  dollars, 
was  seized  and  carried  to  the  palace.  The  officers  on 
their  return,  politely  informed  me,  that  they  should 
visit  our  house  on  the  morrow.  I  felt  obliged  for  this 
information,  and  accordingly  made  preparations  to 
receive  them  by  secreting  as  many  little  articles  as 
possible ;  together  with  considerable  silver ;  as  I  knew 
if  the  war  should  be  protracted,  we  should  be  in  a 
state  of  starvation  without  it.  But  my  mind  was  in  a 
dreadful  state  of  agitation,  lest  it  should  be  discovered, 
and  cause  my  being  thrown  into  prison.  And  had  it 
been  possible  to  procure  money  from  any  other  quarter, 
I  should  not  have  ventured  on  such  a  step. 

"  The  following  morning,  the  royal  treasurer,  the 
governor  of  the  north  gate  of  the  palace,  who  was  in 
future  our  steady  friend,  and  another  nobleman,  at- 
tended by  forty  or  fifty  followers,  came  to  take  posses- 
sion of  all  we  had.  I  treated  them  civilly,  gave  them 
seats,  and  tea  and  sweetmeats  for  their  refreshment; 
and  justice  obliges  me  to  say,  that  they  conducted  the 
business  of  confiscation,  with  more  regard  to  my  feel- 
ings than  I  should  have  thought  it  possible  for  Bur- 
mese officers  to  exhibit.  The  three  officers  with  one 

of  the  royal  secretaries  alone  entered  the  house :  their 
10  G 


146  LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

attendants  were  ordered  to  remain  outside.  They  saw 
I  was  deeply  affected,  and  apologized  for  what  they 
were  about  to  do,  by  saying  that  it  was  painful  for 
them  to  take  possession  of  property  not  their  own,  but 
they  were  compelled  thus  to  do  by  order  of  the  king. 
"  Where  is  your  silver,  gold,  and  jewels  ?"  said  the 
royal  treasurer.  I  have  no  gold  or  jewels,  but  here  is 
the  key  of  a  trunk  which  contains  the  silver — do  with 
it  as  you  please.  The  trunk  was  produced,  and  the 
silver  weighed.  This  money,  said  I,  was  collected  in 
America  by  the  disciples  of  Christ,  and  sent  here  for 
the  purpose  of  building  a  kyoung,  (the  name  of  a 
priest's  dwelling ;)  and  for  our  support  while  teaching 
the  religion  of  Christ.  Is  it  suitable  that  you  should 
take  it  ?  (The  Burmans  are  averse  to  taking  religious 
offerings,  which  was  the  cause  of  my  making  the  in- 
quiry.) "  We  will  state  this  circumstance  to  the  king," 
said  one  of  them,  "  and  perhaps  he  will  restore  it.  But 
is  this  all  the  silver  you  have  ?"  I  could  not  tell  a 
falsehood.  The  house  is  in  your  possession,  I  replied, 
search  for  yourselves.  "  Have  you  not  deposited 
silver  with  some  person  of  your  acquaintance  ?"  My 
acquaintances  are  all  in  prison,  with  whom  should  I 
deposit  silver  ?  They  next  ordered  my  trunk  and 
drawers  to  be  examined.  The  secretary  only  was 
allowed  to  accompany  me  in  this  search.  Everything 
nice  or  curious  which  met  his  view,  was  presented  to 


LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  147 

the  officers  for  their  decision  whether  it  should  be 
taken  or  retained.  I  begged  they  would  not  take  our 
wearing  apparel,  as  it  would  be  disgraceful  to  take 
clothes  partly  worn  into  the  possession  of  his  majesty, 
and  to  us  they  were  of  unspeakable  value.  They  as- 
sented, and  took  a  list  only ;  and  did  the  same  with 
the  books,  medicines,  &c.  My  little  work-table  and 
rocking-chair,  presents  from  my  beloved  brother,  I 
rescued  from  their  grasp,  partly  by  artifice,  and  partly 
through  their  ignorance.  They  left  also  many  articles 
which  were  of  inestimable  value  during  our  long  im 
prisonment." 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

NARRATIVE     CONTINUED,     AND      CONCLUDED. THEIR      DELIVERANCE      FROM 

BURMAN   TYRANNY,  AND    PROTECTION    BY    THE   BRITISH    GOVERNMENT. 

As  soon  as  the  search  was  completed,  Mrs.  Judson 
hastened  to  the  wife  of  the  queen's  brother,  in  hopes 
of  having  a  favorable  answer  to  her  petition ;  but  to 
her  heavy  disappointment  she  learned  that  the  queen 
had  refused  to  interfere.  With  a  sad  heart  she  turned 
her  steps  to  the  prison-gate,  but  here  she  was  denied 
admittance,  and  for  ten  days  she  found  the  prison-door 
closed  against  her. 

"  The  officers  who  had  taken  possession  of  our 
property,"  continues  Mrs.  Judson,  "  presented  it  to  his 
majesty,  saying,  '  Judson  is  a  true  teacher ;  we  found 
nothing  in  his  house  but  what  belongs  to  priests.  In 
addition  to  this  money,  there  are  an  immense  number 
of  books,  medicines,  trunks  of  wearing  apparel,  &c.,  of 
which  we  have  only  taken  a  list.  Shall  we  take  them 
or  let  them  remain  ?'  '  Let  them  remain,'  said  the 
king,  '  and  put  this  property  by  itself,  for  it  shall  be 
restored  to  him  again,  if  he  be  found  innocent.'  This 
was  in  allusion  to  the  idea  of  his  being  a  spy." 


LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANtf  H.   JUDSOIT.  149 

While  the  officers  were  at  Mr.  J.'s  house,  they  had 
insisted  on  knowing  the  sum  that  had  been  paid  to 
bribe  the  governor  to  allow  the  prisoners  more  liberty. 
This  sum  they  afterwards  demanded  of  the  governor, 
which  so  enraged  him  that  he  threatened  to  thrust 
them  back  into  the  inner  prison.  When  Mrs.  J.  waited 
on  him  the  next  morning,  his  first  words  were,  "  You 
are  very  bad ;  why  did  you  tell  the  royal  treasurer  you 
had  given  me  so  much  money  ?"  "  The  treasurer  in- 
quired, what  could  I  say  ?"  she  replied.  "  Say  that 
you  had  given  me  nothing,"  said  he,  "and  I  would 
have  made  the  teacners  comfortable  in  prison;  but 
now  I  know  not  what  will  be  their  fate."  "  But  I  can- 
not tell  a  falsehood,"  she  replied ;  "  my  religion  differs 
from  yours ;  it  forbids  prevarication,  and  had  you  stood 
by  me  with  your  knife  raised,  I  could  not  have  said 
what  you  suggest." 

This  answer  so  pleased  the  wife  of  the  governor, 
who  sat  by,  that  she  ever  afterwards  was  a  firm 
friend  to  Mrs.  Judson.  The  latter  then  by  the  pres- 
ent of  a  beautiful  opera-glass,  a  gift  from  her  Eng- 
lish friends,  and  by  promises  of  future  presents,  in- 
duced the  governor  to  let  her  husband  remain  where 
he  was ;  but  poor  Dr.  Price  was  confined  as  at  first, 
and  was  only  relieved  at  the  end  of  ten  days,  by 
his  promising  a  piece  of  broadcloth,  and  ban4some 
presents  from  Mrs.  Judson. 


150  LIFE  OP  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

Sometimes  she  was  summoned  before  the  authori- 
ties to  answer  the  most  absurd  charges,  and  daily 
she  was  subjected  to  the  most  harassing  annoyance, 
from  the  desire  of  each  petty  officer  to  get  money 
through  their  misfortunes.  Notwithstanding  her  re- 
pulse in  her  application  to  the  queen,  hardly  a  day 
passed  for  seven  months  that  she  did  not  visit  some 
one  of  the  members  of  government,  or  branches  of 
the  royal  family,  in  order  to  gain  their  influence  in 
behalf  of  the  teachers,  though  the  only  benefit  was, 
that  their  encouraging  promises  preserved  her  from 
despair.  She  did  however  in  this  manner  gain  friends, 
who  sometimes  assisted  her  with  food,  and  who  tried 
to  destroy  the  impression  that  they  were  concerned 
in  the  war. 

The  extortions  and  oppressions  to  which  the  pri- 
oners  were  subject  were  also  indescribable.  Some- 
times Mrs.  Judson  was  forbidden  to  have  any  inter- 
course with  them  during  the  day ;  and  therefore  she 
would  have  two  miles  to  walk  after  dark,  in  return- 
ing to  her  house.  She  says,  "  Oh  how  many,  many 
times  have  I  returned  from  that  dreary  prison  at 
nine  o'clock  at  night,  solitary  and  worn  out  with 
fatigue  and  anxiety,  and  thrown  myself  down  in  that 
same  rocking-chair  you  and  Deacon  S.  provided  for 
me  in  Boston,  and  endeavored  to  invent  some  new 
scheme  for  the  release  of  the  prisoners.  Sometimes, 


LIFE  OF  MKS.  ANN  H.   JUDSON.  151 

lor  a  moment  or  two,  my  thoughts  would  glance  to- 
ward America  and  my  beloved  friends  there,  out  for 
nearly  a  year  and  a  half,  so  entirely  engrossed 
was  every  thought  with  present  scenes  and  sufferings, 
that  I  seldom  reflected  on  a  single  occurrence  of  my 
former  life,  or  recollected  that  I  had  a  friend  in  ex- 
istence out  of  Ava. 

"You  my  dear  brother,  who  know  my  strong  at- 
tachment to  my  friends,  and  how  much  pleasure  1 
have  hitherto  experienced  from  retrospect,  can  judge 
from  the  above  circumstance,  how  intense  were  my 
sufferings.  But  the  point,  the  acme  of  my  distress, 
consisted  in  the  awful  uncertainty  of  our  final  fate. 
My  prevailing  opinion  was,  that  my  husband  would 
suffer  violent  death  ;  and  that  I  should  of  course  be- 
come a  slave,  and  languish  out  a  miserable  though 
short  existence,  in  the  tyrannic  hands  of  some  unfeel- 
ing monster.  But  the  consolations  of  religion  in  these 
trying  circumstances,  were  neither  few  nor  small.  It 
taught  me  to  look  beyond  this  world,  to  that  rest,  that 
peaceful,  happy  rest,  where  Jesus  reigns,  and  oppres- 
sion never  enters." 

In  the  meantime,  the  Burmese  government  was 
sending  army  after  army  down  the  river  to  fight  the 
English ;  and  constantly  receiving  news  of  their  de- 
feat and  destruction.  One  of  its  officers,  however, 
named  Bandoola,  having  been  more  successful,  the  king 


152  LIFE  OF  MBS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

sent  for  him  to  Ava,  and  conferred  on  him  the  com 
mand  of  a  very  large  army,  destined  against  Rangoon 
As  he  was  receiving  every  demonstration  of  court 
favor,  Mrs.  Judson  resolved  to  wait  on  him  with  a 
petition  for  the  release  of  the  prisoners.  She  was  re- 
ceived in  an  obliging  manner,  and  directed  to  call 
again  when  he  should  have  deliberated  on  the  subject. 
With  the  joyful  news  of  her  flattering  reception, 
she  flew  to  the  prison,  and  both  she  and  her  husband 
thought  deliverance  was  at  hand.  But  on  going  again 
with  a  handsome  present  to  hear  his  decision,  she  was 
informed  by  his  lady — her  lord  being  absent — that  he 
was  now  very  busy,  making  preparations  for  Rangoon, 
but  that  when  he  had  retaken  that  city,  and  expelled 
the  English,  he  would  return  and  release  all  the  pris- 
oners. 

This  was  her  last  application  for  their  enlargement , 
though  she  constantly  visited  the  various  officials  with 
presents  in  order  to  make  the  situation  of  the  prisoners 
more  tolerable.  The  governor  of  the  palace  used  to 
be  so  much  gratified  with  her  accounts  of  the  manners, 
customs  and  government  of  America,  that  he  required 
her  to  spend  many  hours  of  every  other  day  at  his 
house. 

Mrs.  Judson  had  been  permitted  to  make  for  her 
husband  a  little  bamboo  room  in  the  prison  enclosure 
far  more  comfortable  than  the  shed  he  had  occupied, 


LIFE  OP  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  153 

and  where  she  sometimes  was  allowed  to  spend  a  few 
hours  in  his  society.  But  her  visits  both  to  the  pris- 
on and  to  the  governor  were  interrupted  by  the 
birth  of  a  little  daughter — truly 

'  A  child  of  misery,  baptized  in  tears !' 

About  this  time  the  Burmese  court  was  thrown  into 
consternation  by  news  of  the  disastrous  defeat  of  Ban 
doola,  the  vain-glorious  chief  who  was  to  expel  the 
English  from  the  kingdom  ;  and  the  rapid  advance  of 
the  British  troops  towards  Ava.  The  first  conse- 
quence of  such  intelligence  would  of  course  be  in- 
creased rigor  towards  the  white  prisoners ;  and  ac- 
cordingly, before  she  had  regained  her  strength  after 
her  confinement,  Mrs.  Judson  learned  that  her  husband 
had  been  put  into  the  inner  prison,  in  five  pairs  of 
fetters,  that  the  room  she  had  made  for  him  had  been 
torn  down,  and  all  his  little  comforts  taken  away  by  his 
jailers.  All  the  prisoners  had  been  similarly  treated. 

Mrs.  Judson,  feeble  as  she  was,  hastened  to  the  gov- 
ernor's house.  But  in  her  long  absence  she  Tiad  lost 
favor  ;  and  she  was  told  that  she  must  not  ask  to  have 
the  fetters  taken  off*,  or  the  prisoners  released,  for  it 
could  not  be  done.  She  made  a  pathetic  appeal  to  the 
governor,  who  was  an  old  man,  reminding  him  of  all 
his  former  kindness  to  them,  and  begging  to  know  why 

nis  conduct  was  so  changed  to  them  r»ow.     His  hard 

G* 


154:  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN"  H.  JUDSON. 

heart  melted  and  he  even  "  wept  like  a  child."  He 
then  confessed  to  her  that  he  had  often  been  ordered 
to  assassinate  the  prisoners  privately,  but  that  he  would 
not  do  it ;  and  that,  come  what  would,  he  would  never 
put  Mr.  Judson  to  death.  At  the  same  time  he  was 
resolute  in  refusing  to  attempt  any  mitigation  of  his 
sufferings. 

The  situation  of  the  prisoners  was  now  horrible  in 
the  extreme.  There  were  more  than  one  hundred  of 
them  shut  up  in  one  room,  with  no  air  but  what  came 
through  cracks  in  the  boards,  and  this  in  the  hot  sea- 
son. Mrs.  Judson  was  sometimes  permitted  to  spend 
five  minutes  at  the  door,  but  the  sight  was  almost  too 
horrible  to  be  borne.  By  incessant  intreaties,  she  ob- 
tained permission  for  them  to  eat  their  food  outside, 
but  even  this  was  soon  forbidden.  After  a  month 
passed  in  this  way,  Mr.  Judson  was  seized  with  fever, 
and  nothing  but  death  was  before  him  unless  he  could 
have  more  air.  Mrs.  Judson  at  length  succeeded  in 
putting  up  another  bamboo  hut  in  the  prison  enclosure, 
and  by  wearing  out  the  governor  with  her  entreaties, 
she  got  her  husband  removed  into  it,  and  though  too 
low  for  them  to  stand  upright,  it  seemed  to  them  a 
palace  in  comparison  with  the  prison. 

Disastrous  news  of  the  war  continued  to  arrive,  and 
at  length  the  death  of  Bandoola  seemed  to  be  the 
climax  of  misfortune.  Who  could  be  found  to  take 


LIFE  OF  MES.  ANN  H.   JUDSOJT.  165 

his  place  ?  A  government  officer,  who  had  for  some 
time  been  in  disgrace  with  the  king,  now  came  for- 
ward with  a  proposal  to  conquer  the  English  and  put 
an  end  to  the  war,  provided  an  army  was  raised  on  a 
new  plan.  His  offers  were  accepted,  and  he  was 
clothed  with  full  powers.  He  was  a  man  of  talent  and 
enterprise,  and  a  violent  enemy  to  foreigners.  The 
missionaries  feared  everything  from  his  malignancy; 
and  their  fears  were  but  too  well  founded. 

They  had  been  in  their  comfortable  hut  but  a  few 
days,  when  Mrs.  J.  was  suddenly  summoned  before 
the  governor,  and  detained  by  trifling  pretexts  for 
some  time,  in  order — as  she  afterwards  found — to 
spare  her  the  dreadful  scene  that  was  enacted  at  the 
prison  in  her  absence.  On  leaving  him  she  met  a 
servant  running  to  tell  her  that  all  the  white  prisoners 
were  carried  away  he  knew  not  whither.  She  ran 
from  street  to  street  inquiring  for  them,  until  at  length 
she  was  informed  they  were  carried  to  Amarapoora. 
She  hastened  to  the  governor,  who  professed  his  igno- 
rance, but  promised  to  send  off  a  man  to  inquire  their 
fate ;  and  said  significantly,  "  You  can  do  nothing 
more  for  your  husband  ;  take  care  of  yourself."  She 
returned  to  her  room,  and  sank  down  almost  in  despair. 
This  was  the  most  insupportable  day  she  had  passed. 
She  resolved  to  go  to  Amarapoora ;  pacKed  up  some 
valuables  in  trunks  to  leave  with  the  governoi  ;  and 


156  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

took  leave  of  Ava,  as  she  supposed,  forever.  She  ob 
tained  a  pass  for  herself  and  infant,  her  two  Burman 
girls  and  cook,  and  got  on  board  a  boat,  which  con- 
veyed them  within  two  miles  of  Amarapoora.  There 
she  procured  a  cart,  but  the  heat  and  dust,  with  the 
fatigue  of  carrying  her  infant,  almost  deprived  her  of 
reason.  But  on  reaching  the  court-house,  her  distress 
was  further  aggravated,  by  rinding  that  she  must  go 
four  miles  farther  to  a  place  called  Oung- pen-la. 
There  in  an  old  shattered  building,  without  a  roof, 
under  the  burning  sun,  sat  the  poor  prisoners,  chained 
two  and  two,  and  almost  in  a  dying  condition.  She 
prevailed  on  the  jailer  to  give  her  a  shelter  in  a 
wretched  little  room  half  filled  with  grain,  and  in  that 
filthy  place,  without  bed,  chair,  table,  or  any  other 
comfort,  she  spent  the  next  six  months  of  wretched- 
ness. 

The  account  given  her  by  Mr.  Judson  of  his  suffer- 
ings since  she  had  seen  him  wfas  almost  too  dreadful  to 
repeat.  Dragged  from  the  prison,  and  stripped  of  their 
clothing,  they  were  driven  under  a  broiling  sun,  over 
the  hot  sand  and  gravel  until  their  naked  feet  were  all 
one  wound,  and  they  earnestly  longed  for  death  to  put 
an  end  to  their  tortures.  When  night  came  on,  find- 
ing that  one  of  the  prisoners  had  dropped  dead,  and 
that  the  others  were  utterly  unable  to  walk,  their 
driver  had  halted  till  the  next  morning,  and  then  con- 


LIFE  OF.  MRS.   ANN  H.    JUDSON.  157 

veyed  them  the  remainder  of  the  distance  in  carts. 
On  arriving  and  seeing  the  dilapidated  condition  of  the 
prison,  they  confidently  thought  they  had  been  brought 
here  for  execution,  and  tried  to  prepare  themselves  to 
meet  a  dreadful  and  perhaps  lingering  death.  From 
this  apprehension  they  were  relieved  by  seeing  prep 
arations  made  to  repair  the  prison. 

Mrs.  Judson  had  brought  from  Ava  all  the  money 
she  could  command,  secreted  about  her  person.  And 
she  records  her  thankfulness  to  her  Heavenly  Father 
that  she  never  suffered  from  want  of  money,  though 
frequently  from  want  of  provisions.  Hitherto  her 
health  and  that  of  her 'children  had  been  good.  Bui 
now  commenced  her  personal,  bodily  sufferings.  One 
of  the  little  Burman  girls  whom  she  had  adopted,  and 
whom  she  had  named  Mary  Hasseltine,  was  attacked 
on  the  morning  after  her  arrival  with  small-pox.  She 
had  been  Mrs.  Judson's  only  assistant  in  the  care  of 
her  infant.  But  now  she  required  all  the  time  that 
could  be  spared  from  Mr.  Judson,  whose  mangled  feet 
rendered  him  utterly  unable  to  move.  Mrs.  Judson's 
whole  time  was  spent  in  going  back  and  forth  from  the 
prison  to  the  house  with  her  little  Maria  in  her  arms. 
Knowing  that  the  other  children  must  have  the  dis- 
ease, she  inoculated  both,  and  those  of  the  jailer,  all 
of  whom  had  it  lightly  except  her  poor  babe,  with 
whom  the  inoculation  did  not  take,  and  who  had  it  the 


i.58  LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

natural  way.  Before  this  she  had  been  a  healthy  child 
but  it  was  more  than  three  months  before  she  recover- 
ed from  the  dreadful  disorder. 

The  beneficial  effects  of  inoculation  in  the  case  of 
the  jailer's  children,  caused  Mrs.  Judson  to  be  called 
upon  to  perform  the  operation  upon  all  the  children  in 
the  village.  Mr.  Judson  gradually  recovered,  and 
found  his  situation  much  more  comfortable  than  at 
Ava.  But  Mrs.  Judson,  overcome  by  watchings, 
fatigue,  miserable  food,  and  still  more  miserable  lodg- 
ings, was  attacked  by  one  of  the  disorders  of  the  coun- 
try ;  and  though  much  debilitated,  was  obliged  to  set 
off  in  a  cart  for  Ava  to  procure  medicines  and  suitable 
food.  While  there,  her  disorder  increased  so  fearfully 
in  violence,  that  she  gave  up  all  hope  of  recovery,  and 
was  only  anxious  to  return  and  die  near  the  prison. 
By  the  use  of  laudanum  she  so  far  checked  the  disease, 
that  she  was  able  to  get  back  to  Oung-pen-la,  but  in 
such  a  state  that  the  cook  whom  she  had  left  to  supply 
her  place,  and  who  came  to  help  her  out  of  the 
wretched  cart  in  which  she  had  made  part  of  the 
journey,  was  so  overwhelmed  by  her  altered  and 
emaciated  appearance  that  he  burst  into  tears.  To 
this  poor  cook  she  was  indebted,  during  the  next  two 
months  for  everything,  and  even  for  her  life  and  that 
of  those  dearest  to  her.  He  would  walk  miles  to  pro- 
cure and  carry  food  for  the  prisoners,  then  return  to 


LIFE   OF  MBS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  169 

do  everything  he  could  for  Mrs.  J.  Though  a  Ben- 
galee, he  forgot  his  caste,  and  hesitated  not  at  any 
office  or  service  which  was  required  of  him.  It  was 
afterwards  in  their  power  amply  to  reward  him  for  his 
labor  of  love,  and  they  never  forgot  their  debt  of 
gratitude. 

At  this  time  poor  little  Maria  was  the  greatest  suf- 
ferer, and  her  mother's  anguish  at  seeing  her  distress 
while  she  was  unable  to  relieve  it,  was  indescribable. 
Deprived  of  her  natural  food  by  her  mother's  illness, 
while  not  a  drop  of  milk  could  be  procured  in  the  vil- 
lage, her  cries  were  heart-rending.  Sometimes  Mr. 
Judson  would  prevail  on  his  keepers  to  let  him  carry 
the  emaciated  little  creature  around  in  his  arms,  to 
beg  nourishment  from  those  mothers  in  the  village 
who  had  young  children.  Now  indeed  was  the  cup 
of  misery  full.  While  in  health,  the  active,  ardent 
mind  of  Mrs.  Judson  bore  up  under  trials,  every  new 
one  suggesting  some  ingenious  expedient  to  lighten  or 
avert  it ;  but  now  to  see  those  cherished  ones  suffering, 
and  be  herself  confined  by  sickness,  was  almost  too 
much  to  bear. 

It  was  about  this  time  they  learned  the  death  of 
their  enemy,  whose  elevation  to  power  was  the  cause 
of  their  removal  from  Ava,  and  whose  purpose  in 
sending  them  to  Oung-pen-la,  was  indeed  their  destruc- 
tion. Suspected  of  high-treason,  and  of  embezzling 


160  LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

mblic  money,  he  was  executed  without  a  moment  i 
delay.  Another  officer  was  appointed  to  commai.d 
the  army,  but  with  far  less  sanguine  expectations  of 
success.  After  his  death,  the  prisoners  were  released 
from  the  prison,  and  conducted  to  Ava.  The  cause 
of  this  change  was  soon  evident.  Mr.  Judson  was 
wanted  to  act  as  interpreter  between  the  Burmese 
government  and  the  advancing  army  of  the  British. 
For  six  weeks  he  was  kept  in  Maloun,  steadily  at  work 
in  translating,  and  suffering  as  much  as  when  in  prison 
except  that  he  was  not  in  irons.  Mrs.  Judson,  who 
had  remained  at  Ava,  was  seized  soon  after  he  left 
her  with  spotted  fever  of  the  most  malignant  charac- 
ter. She  lost  her  reason,  and  for  a  long  time  was  in- 
sensible to  everything  around  her.  But  she  records 
with  lively  gratitude,  that  just  before  her  senses  left 
her,  a  Portuguese  woman  had  unexpectedly  come  and 
offered  herself  as  nurse  to  her  little  daughter ;  and 
about  the  same  time,  Dr.  Price,  being  released  from 
prison,  visited  her.  He  represents  her  situation  to 
have  been  the  most  distressing  he  ever  witnessed,  and 
he  had  no  idea  she  could  survive  many  hours.  At  one 
time  a  Burmese  neighbor,  who  had  come  in  with 
others  to  see  her  die,  said.  "  She  is  dead ;  and  if  the 
King  of  angels  were  to  come  in,  he  could  not  recover 
her."  Her  head  was  shaved,  blisters  were  applied  to 
it  and  to  her  feet,  and  she  gradually  revived ;  although 


LIFE   OF  MES.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  161 

the  fever  having   run   seventeen   days,  she  was   of 
course  a  long  time  in  recovering. 

While  in  this  debilitated  state,  she  learned  through 
her  servant  that  his  master  had  arrived  in  town,  under 
the  charge  of  several  Burmans,  and  that  it  was  report- 
ed that  he  was  to  be  sent  back  to  the  Oung-pen-la 
prison.  Being  too  weak  to  bear  ill  tidings,  the  shock 
had  well  nigh  destroyed  her.  When  she  had  in  some 
measure  recovered  her  composure,  she  sent  Moung 
Ing  to  her  old  friend,  the  governor  of  the  north  gate, 
begging  him  to  make  one  more  effort  for  Mr.  Judson. 
Moung  Ing  then  went  in  search  of  '  the  teacher,'  and 
at  length  found  him  in  an  obscure  prison.  Her  feel- 
ings while  he  was  gone,  Mrs.  Judson  thus  describes: 

'  Tf  ever  I  felt  the  value  and  efficacy  of  prayer,  I 
did  at  this  time.  I  could  not  rise  from  my  couch ;  I 
could  make  no  efforts  to  secure  my  husband ;  I  could 
only  plead  with  that  great  and  powerful  Being  who 
has  said,  'Call  upon  me  in  the  day  of  trouble  and  I  will 
hear,  and  thou  shall  glorify  me ;'  and  who  made  me 
at  this  time  feel  so  powerfully  this  promise,  that  I  be- 
came quite  composed,  feeling  assured  that  my  prayers 
would  be  answered." 

She  afterwards  learned  that  as  soon  as  Mr.  Judson 

was  found  of  no  farther  use  at  Maloun  as  interpreter, 

he  was  transferred  without  ceremony  to  Ava,  where 

happening  to  meet  no  one  who  know  him,  he  was  or- 

11 


162  LIFE  OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

dered  to  be  taken  whence  he  came,  when  he  went  to 
Maloun,  viz :  Oung-pen-la.  But  at  the  instance  of, 
Mrs.  Judson's  faithful  messenger,  Moung  Ing,  the  gov- 
ernor of  the  north  gate  presented  a  petition  to  the 
high  court  of  the  empire,  became  security  for  Mr.  J., 
obtained  his  release,  took  him  to  his  house,  and  re- 
moved Mrs.  Judson  thither  also  as  soon  as  her  health 
permitted. 

The  English  army,  which  had  all  along  offered  peace 
on  condition  of  the  payment  of  a  certain  sum  of 
money,  offers  which  the  Burmans  had  constantly  re- 
jected, had  now  advanced  so  far  as  to  threaten  the 
golden  city  itself.  The  Burmans  were  thus  compelled 
to  negotiate,  and  all  their  negotiations  from  beginning 
to  end,  "  were  conducted  by  Drs.  Judson  and  Price, 
though  they  were  often  interrupted  or  entirely  broken 
off  by  the  caprice  and  jealousy  of  the  Burman  mon- 
arch and  his  officers."  The  king  placing  no  confidence 
in  the  English,  and  having  the  most  absurd  ideas  of  his 
power  to  force  them  to  his  own  terms,  sent  messengers 
at  every  stage  of  their  advance  to  induce  Sir  Archi- 
bald Campbell  to  abate  his  demands  and  alter  his  con- 
ditions. No  pains  was  spared  to  fortify  the  golden 
city,  even  while  Dr.  Price  and  other  English  prisoners 
were  engaged  in  the  business  of  negotiation.  Mrs. 
Judson  had  the  pain  of  seeing  their  house  with  its 


•'I 


^.IFE  OF  MRS.   ANN.   H.   JUDSON.  16S 

beautiful  enclosure  of  fruits  and  flowers,  entirely  de- 
stroyed, to  make  a  place  for  the  erection  of  cannon. 

A  new  message  now  arrived  from  Sir  Archibald. 
No  smaller  sum  than  the  one  stipulated,  (about  five 
million  dollars)  would  be  received,  but  it  might  be 
paid  at  four  different  times ;  the  first  payment  to  be 
made  within  twelve  days,  or  the  army  would  continue 
its  march.  In  addition,  the  prisoners  were  to  be  given 
up  immediately.  The  king,  who  had  learned  the 
value  of  Mr.  Judson's  services,  declared  that  those 
foreigners  who  were  not  English,  were  his  people,  and 
should  not  go.  The  missionaries  were  ordered  to  go 
again  to  the  English  camp,  to  propose  to  them  to  take 
a  third  of  the  money  and  give  up  their  demand  for  the 
missionaries ;  and  threatened  that  if  unsuccessful  in 
their  embassy,  they  and  their  families  should  suffer. 

Their  situation  was  now  truly  perilous,  for  the  Bur- 
man  arrogance  was  at  this  time  heightened  by  the 
boast  of  one  of  their  generals,  that  he  would  so  fortify 
the  ancient  city  of  Pugan,  which  lay  in  the  route  of 
the  British  toward  Ava,  that  they  could  never  ad- 
vance beyond  it ;  and  that  in  fact  he  would  destroy  or 
drive  them  from  the  country.  The  invincible  English 
took  the  city,  however,  with  perfect  ease  ;  and  the 
king  being  enraged  that  he  had  listened  for  a  moment 
to  the  braggart,  and  thus  provoked  the  British  officers, 
had  him  executed  without  ceremony,  and  gave  out 


1.64:  LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN   H.   JUDSON. 

that  it  was  to  punish  him  for  violating  his  command 
'  not  to  fight  the  English.'  The  same  night,  Dr.  Price 
was  sent  with  part  of  the  money,  and  some  of  the 
prisoners,  but  returned  with  the  alarming  intelligence, 
that  the  general  was  angry,  would '  not  communicate 
with  him,  and  was  marching  upon  Ava. 

All  was  now  confusion  in  the  palace ;  gold  and 
silver  vessels  were  melted  up,  and  the  money  weighed 
out ;  and  Mr.  Judson  was  hurried  into  a  boat,  and  sent 
to  the  British  camp.  He  was  instructed  by  the  English 
general  that  every  foreigner  who  wished  to  leave  the 
country,  must  be  permitted  to  go,  or  peace  would  not 
be  made.  The  members  of  government  now  had  re- 
course to  solicitation,  and  promised  to  make  Mr.  Jud- 
son a  great  man  if  he  would  remain.  To  avoid  the 
oduim  of  expressing  a  wish  to  leave  his  majesty's  ser- 
vice, he  told  them  that  Sir  Archibald  had  ordered  that 
all  who  desired  it,  should  go ;  that  his  wife  had  often 
expressed  that  desire,  that  she  therefore  must  be  given 
up,  and  that  he  must  follow.  The  prisoners  were  then 
all  released,  and  on  a  cool  moonlight  evening,  with 
hearts  overflowing  with  gratitude  and  joy,  they  took 
their  passage  down  the  Irrawady,  bidding  a  final  adieu 
to  the  scene  of  their  sufferings,  the  golden  city  of 
Ava. 

With  what  delight  did  they  the  next  morning  hail 
the  sight  of  the  steamboat  that  was  to  conduct  them 


LIFE   OF  MES.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  165 

to  the  British  camp.  "  With  what  unspeakable  satis- 
faction did  they  again  find  themselves  surrounded  by 
the  comforts  and  refinements  of  civilized  life."  The 
kindness  of  General  Campbell  was  more  like  that  of  a 
father  to  his  own  family,  than  that  of  a  stranger  to 
persons  of  another  country.  Indeed  it  was  to  him 
they  owed  their  final  release  from  Ava,  and  the  re- 
covery of  all  their  confiscated  property.  Mrs.  Judson 
thinks  no  people  on  earth  were  ever  happier  than  they 
were  at  that  time ;  the  very  idea  that  they  were  free 
from  Burman  treachery  and  tyranny,  and  under  Brit- 
ish protection,  filling  them  with  gratitude  and  joy  too 
exquisite  for  expression.  "  What  shall  we  render  to 
the  Lord  for  all  his  benefits  to  us,"  was  the  constant 
utterance  of  their  hearts.  Peace  was  soon  settled ; 
they  left  the  camp,  and  after  an  absence  of  two  years 
and  three  months  were  again  in  Rangoon. 


CHAPTER  XVIH. 

INFLUENCE    OF  THESE    DISASTERS  ON  THE   MISSIONARY   ENTERPRISE. TESTI- 
MONIALS TO  MRS.  JUDSON'S  HEROIC  CONDUCT. — LETTER  FROM  MR.  JUDSON. 

HIS    ACCEPTANCE   OF   THE  POST   OF   INTERPRETER   TO    CRAWFORD'S    EM 

BASSY. MRS.   JUDSON'S     RESIDENCE     AT     AMHERST. HER     ILLNESS     AND 

DEATH. — DEATH   OE    HER   INFANT. 

MRS.  JUDSON  concludes  her  long,  melancholy,  but 
most  interesting  letter  to  her  brother,  as  follows :  "  A 
review  of  our  trip  to  and  adventures  in  Ava,  suggests 
the  inquiry,  Why  were  we  permitted  to  go  ?  What 
good  has  been  effected  ?  Why  did  I  not  listen  to  the 
advice  of  friends  in  Bengal  and  remain  till  the  war 
was  concluded  ?  But  all  that  we  can  say  is — It  is  not 
in  man  that  walketh  to  direct  his  steps. — So  far  as  my 
going  round  to  Rangoon  at  the  time  I  did,  was  instru- 
mental in  bringing  those  heavy  afflictions  upon  us,  I 
can  only  state  that  if  ever  I  acted  from  a  sense  of  duty 
in  my  life,  it  was  at  that  time ;  for  my  conscience 
would  not  allow  me  any  peace,  when  I  thought  of 
sending  for  your  brother  to  Calcutta,  in  prospect  of 
the  approaching  war.  Our  society  at  home  have  lost 
no  property  on  account  of  our  difficulties;  but  two 
years  of  precious  time  have  been  lost  to  the  mission. 


LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.   JUDSON.  167 

unless  some  future  advantage  may  be  gained,  in  con- 
sequence  of  the  severe  discipline  to  which  we  our- 
selves have  been  subject.  We  are  sometimes  induced 
to  think  that  the  lesson  we  have  found  so  very  hard 
to  learn  will  have  a  beneficial  effect  through  our  lives ; 
and  that  the  mission  may  in  the  end,  be  advanced 
rather  than  retarded." 

In  reference  to  this  timid  and  hesitating  hope  of 
some  benefit  which  might  possibly  accrue  to  the  cause 
of  missions,  from  her  terrible  experience,  the  remarks 
of  Dr.  Dowling  in  a  recent  work,  are  so  appropriate, 
that  we  will  introduce  them  here.  "  Previous  to  the 
commencement  of  these  sufferings,  though  a  few 
American  Baptists  were  partially  awake  to  the  salva- 
tion of  the  heathen,  .  .  .  yet  the  contributions  for  the 
mission  were  meagre,  and  the  interest  it  had  excited 
was  comparatively  small.  Something  of  a  thrilling, 
exciting  character  was  needed  to  arouse  the  churches 
from  their  indifference  and  lethargy ;  something  that 
should  touch  their  hearts,  by  showing  them  somewhat 
of  the  nature  and  extent  of  the  sacrifices  made  by 
those  devoted  missionaries  whom  they  were  called 
upon  to  sustain  by  their  benefactions  and  their  pray- 
ers. 

"  Such  a  stimulus  was  afforded,  when  after  two  years 
of  painful  suspense,  during  which  it  was  not  known 
whether  the  missionaries  were  dead  or  alive,  the 


168  LIFE   OF  MKS.  ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

touching  recital  of  their  unparalleled  sufferings  fo* 
Christ's  sake,  and  of  their  wonderful  deliverance,  at 
length  burst  like  an  electric  shock  upon  the  American 
churches.  And  that  shock  has  not  yet  spent  its  force, 
as  we  have  recently  seen  in  the  effect  produced  by  the 
simple,  silent  presence,  in  the  assemblies  of  the  saints, 
of  the  venerated  man  of  God,  who  can  say  with  an 
Apostle — '  I  bear  in  my  body  the  scars  of  the  Lord 
Jesus!'"* 

That  worn  veteran  had  but  to  arise  in  a  Christian 
assembly,  and  a  thrill  of  sympathy  was  sent  through 
the  audience,  and  thousands  upon  thousands  of  dollars 
were  pledged  on  the  spot  to  that  cause  which  his 
silent  presence  so  powerfully  advocated. 

Another  consequence  of  the  war,  was  to  secure 
British  toleration  and  protection  to  a  large  territory, 
hitherto  almost  inaccessible  to  the  missionaries.  Of 
this  we  shall  speak  more  fully  hereafter. 

Mrs.  Judson  proceeds :  "  We  should  have  had  no 
hesitation  about  remaining  at  Ava,  if  no  part  of  the 
Burman  empire  had  been  ceded  to  the  British.  But 
as  it  was,  we  felt  that  it  would  be  unnecessary  ex- 
posure, besides  the  missionary  field  being  more  limited 
in  consequence  of  intoleration.  We  now  consider  our 
future  missionary  prospects  as  bright  indeed,  and  our 
only  anxiety  is  to  be  once  more  in  that  situation  when 
*  Alluding  io  Dr.  Judson's  visit  to  America. 


LIFE  OF  MBS.   AJSTN  H.  JUDSON.  169 

our  time  will  be  exclusively  devoted  to  the  instruction 
of  the  heathen. 

..."  This  letter,  dreadful  as  are  the  scenes  herein 
described,  gives  you  but  a  faint  idea  of  the  awful  real- 
ity. The  anguish,  the  agony  of  mind,  resulting  from 
a  thousand  little  circumstances  impossible  to  delineate 
on  paper,  can  be  known  by  those  only  who  have  been 
in  similar  situations.  Pray  for  us,  my  dear  brother 
and  sister,  that  these  heavy  afflictions  may  not  be  in 
vain,  but  may  be  blessed  to  our  spiritual  good,  and  the 
advancement  of  Christ's  Church  among  the  heathen/ 

The  following  is  extracted  from  a  tribute  to  Mrs 
Judson  which  appeared  in  a  Calcutta  paper,  after  the 
war.  It  was  written  by  a  fellow-prisoner  of  Mr.  J. 

"  Mrs.  Judson  was  the  author  of  those  eloquent  and 
forcible  appeals  to  the  government,  which  prepared 
them  by  degrees  for  submission  to  terms  of  peace, 
never  expected  by  any  who  knew  the  haughtiness  and 
inflexible  pride  of  the  Burman  court. 

"  And  while  on  this  subject,  the  overflowings  of 
grateful  feelings  on  behalf  of  myself  and  fellow-prison- 
ers, compel  me  to  add  a  tribute  of  public  thanks  to 
that  amiable  and  humane  female,  who,  though  living 
at  a  distance  of  two  miles  from  our  prison,  without 
any  means  of  conveyance,  and  very  feeble  in  health, 

forgot  her    own  comfort    and  infirmity,  and  almost 

H 


170  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

every  day  visited  us,  sought  out  and  administered  to 
our  wants,  and  contributed  in  every  way  to  alleviate 
our  misery. 

"  When  we  were  all  left  by  the  government  desti- 
tute of  food,  she,  with  unwearied  perseverance  by 
some  means  or  other,  obtained  for  us  a  constant 
supply. 

..."  When  the  unfeeling  avarice  of  our  keepers 
confined  us  inside,  or  made  our  feet  fast  in  the  stocks, 
she,  like  a  ministering  angel,  never  ceased  her  appli- 
cations to  the  government,  until  she  was  authorized  to 
communicate  to  us  the  grateful  news  of  our  enlarge- 
ment, or  of  a  respite  from  our  galling  oppressions. 

"  Besides  all  this,  it  was  unquestionably  owing,  in  a 
chief  degree,  to  the  repeated  eloquence  and  forcible 
appeals  of  Mrs.  Judson,  that  the  untutored  Burman 
was  finally  made  willing  to  secure  the  welfare  of  his 
country  by  a  sincere  peace." 

Well  may  Professor  Gammel  write  of  her :  "  History 
has  not  recorded,  poetry  itself  has  seldom  portrayed  a 
more  affecting  exhibition  of  Christian  fortitude,  of 
female  heroism,  and  of  all  the  noble  and  generous 
qualities  which  constitute  the  dignity  and  glory  of 
woman.  In  the  midst  of  sickness  and  danger,  and 
every  calamity  which  can  crush  the  human  heart, 
jshe  presented  a  character  equal  to  the  sternest  trial, 
and  an  address  and  a  fertility  of  resources  which  gave 


LIFE   OP  MBS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON.  171 

her  an  ascendency  over  the  minds  of  her  most  cruel 
enemies,  and  alone  saved  the  missionaries  and  their 
fellow -captives  from  the  terrible  doom  which  constantly 
awaited  them." 

We  will  conclude  this  account  of  the  terrible  two 
years,  by  an  extract  from  a  letter  of  Mr.  Judson  dated 
Rangoon,  March  25,  1826.  "  Through  the  kind  inter- 
position of  our  Heavenly  Father,  we  have  been  pre- 
served in  the  most  imminent  danger,  from  the  hand  of 
the  executioner,  and  in  repeated  instances  of  most 
alarming  illness,  during  my  protracted  imprisonment 
of  one  year  and  seven  months,  nine  months  in  three 
pairs  of  fetters,  two  months  in  five,  six  months  in  one, 
and  two  months  a  prisoner  at  large.  .  .  .  The  disci- 
ples and  inquirers  have  been  dispersed  in  all  directions. 
Several  are  dead ;  Moung-Shwa-ba  has  been  in  the 
mission-house  through  the  whole,  and  Moung  Ing 
with  Mrs.  Judson  at  Ava.  ...  I  long  for  the  time 
when  we  shall  enjoy  once  more  the  stated  worship 
and  ordinances  of  the  Lord's  house." 

"  One  result  of  the  Burman  war,  was  the  acquisition 
by  the  British  of  several  provinces  previously  under 
the  government  of  the  King  of  Burmah.  Thus  a  safe 
asylum  was  provided  for  the  missionaries,  and  for  the 
Christian  natives  where  they  might  worship  God  in 
peace,  under  the  shelter  of  the  English  government" 


172  UFE   OF  MES.   ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

One  of  these  provinces  was  fixed  upon  as  the  seat  of 
the  mission,  and  the  new  town  of  Amherst  was  to  be 
the  residence  of  the  missionaries.  Native  Christian 
families  began  to  assemble  there,  and  Mrs.  Judson 
made  vigorous  preparations  to  open  a  school.  Mr. 
Crawford  of  the  British  Embassy  after  long  solicita- 
tion, succeeded  in  persuading  Mr.  Judson,  that  by 
accompanying  him  in  the  capacity  of  interpreter  to 
the  court  of  Ava  he  might  secure  to  the  mission  cer- 
tain advantages  he  had  long  had  greatly  at.heart,  and 
he  reluctantly  consented  to  go.  Leaving  Mrs.  Judson 
and  her  infant  daughter  in  the  house  of  the  civil 
superintendent  at  Amherst,  he  proceeded  to  the  Bur- 
man  capital.  The  journey  was  every  way  unfortu- 
nate ;  attended  with  long  delays,  and  in  its  result,  as 
far  as  Mr.  Judson  was  concerned,  quite  unsuccessful. 
But  it  was  chiefly  disastrous  because  it  detained  him 
from  the  sick  and  dying  bed  of  that  devoted  wife  to 
whom  he  was  bound  by  every  tie  that  can  attach 
human  hearts  to  each  other ;  and  compelled  her  to 
end  her  troubled  pilgrimage  alone.  That  God  who 
*'  moves  in  a  mysterious  way,"  had  ordered  it  that  she 
who  had  lived  through  appalling  dangers  and  threaten- 
ing deaths  until  her  mission  of  love  toward  those  she 
had  cherished  so  fondly  was  accomplished,  was — now 
that  her  trials  seemed  nearly  ended,  and  the  hopes  of 
her  heart  seemingly  in  a  train  of  accomplishment — 


LIFE  OF  MflS.  ANN  H.   JUDSON.  173 

•uddenly  called  from  the  scene  of  her  labors  to  that 
of  her  "  exceeding  great  reward."  Jt  was  as  if  a 
noble  ship  after  encountering  storms  and  tempests, 
after  being  often  nearly  wrecked,  and  as  often  saved 
almost  by  miracle,  should  when  already  in  port  and  in 
sight  of  anxious  spectators,  suddenly  sink  forever. 

In  a  letter  to  the  corresponding  secretary,  dated 
Ava,  Dec.  7,  1826,  Mr.  Judson  writes :  "  The  news 
of  the  death  of  my  beloved  wife,  has  not  only  thrown 
a  gloom  over  all  my  future  prospects,  but  has  forever 
embittered  the  recollection  of  the  present  journey, 
in  consequence  of  which  I  have  been  absent  from  her 
dying  bed,  and  prevented  from  affording  the  spiritual 
comfort  wThich  her  lonely  circumstances  peculiarly  re- 
quired, and  of  contributing  to  avert  the  fatal  catastro- 
phe, which  has  deprived  me  of  one  of  the  first  of 
women,  and  best  of  wives.  I  commend  myself  and 
motherless  child  to  your  sympathy  and  prayers." 

From  a  letter  from  Mr.  Judson  to  Mrs.  Hasseltine 
we  learn,  that  when  he  parted  from  his  wife,  she  was 
in  good  health  and  comfortably  situated,  with  happy 
prospects  of  a  new  field  of  missionary  labor,  and  the 
expectation  of  seeing  her  husband  again  in  three  or 
four  months  at  farthest.  His  last  letter  from  her  was 
dated  the  14th  of  September.  She  says,  "  I  have  this 
day  moved  into  the  new  house,  and  for  the  first  time 
since  we  were  broken  up  at  Ava,  feel  myself  at  home. 


174  LIFE   OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

The  house  is  large  and  convenient,  and  if  you  were 
here  I  should  feel  quite  happy.  .  .  .  Poor  little  Maria 
is  still  feeble.  .  .  .  When  I  ask  her  where  Papa  is,  she 
always  starts  up  and  points  toward  the  sea.  The  ser- 
vants behave  very  well,  and  I  have  no  trouble  about 
anything  except  you  and  Maria.  Pray  take  care  of 
yourself.  .  .  .  May  God  preserve  and  bless  you,  and 
restore  you  again  to  your  new  and  old  home  is  the 
prayer  of  your  affectionate  Ann."  Another  letter 
from  a  friend  confirmed  the  statement  with  regard  to 
his  wife's  health,  though  it  spoke  unfavorably  of  that 
of  the  child.  "  But,"  continues  Mr.  Judson,  "  my 
next  communication  was  a  letter  with  a  black  seal, 
handed  me  by  a  person,  saying  he  was  sorry  to  inform 
me  of  the  death  of  the  child.  I  know  not  whether 
this  was  a  mistake  on  his  part,  or  kindly  intended  to 
prepare  my  mind  for  the  real  intelligence.  I  went  to 
my  room,  and  opened  the  letter  with  a  feeling  of  grati- 
tude and  joy,  that  at  any  rate  the  mother  was  spared. 
It  began  thus :  '  My  dear  Sir, — To  one  who  has  suf- 
fered so  much  and  with  such  exemplary  fortitude,  there 
needs  but  little  preface  to  tell  a  tale  of  distress.  It 
were  cruel  indeed  to  torture  you  with  doubt  and  sus- 
pense. To  sum  up  the  unhappy  tidings  in  a  few 
words — Mrs.  Judson  is  no  more.'  At  intervals,"  con- 
tinues Mr.  Judson,  "I  got  through  the  dreadful  letter, 
and  proceed  to  give  you  the  substance,  as  indelibly 


LIFE  OF  MES.   ANN  H.   JUDSON.  175 

engraven  on  my  heart."  After  adding  that  her  dis- 
ease was  a  violent  fever,  which  baffled  the  skill  of  the 
physicians  and  after  eighteen  days  carried  her  to  the 
grave,  he  continues:  "You  perceive  I  have  no  ac- 
count whatever  of  the  state  of  her  mind  in  view  of 
death  and  eternity,  or  of  her  wishes  concerning  her 
darling  babe,  whom  she  loved  most  intensely.  I 
will  not  trouble  you,  my  dear  mother,  with  an  account 
of  my  own  private  feelings — the  bitter,  heart-rending 
anguish,  which  for  some  days  would  not  admit  of  miti- 
gation ;  and  the  comfort  which  the  Gospel  subse- 
quently afforded,  the  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  which 
brings  life  and  immortality  to  light." 

After  his  return  to  Amherst,  Mr.  Judson  writes : 
"  Amid  the  desolation  that  death  has  made,  I  take  up 
my  pen  to  address  once  more  the  mother  of  my  be- 
loved Ann.  I  am  sitting  in  the  house  she  built — in  the 
room  where  she  breathed  her  last — and  at  a  window 
from  which  I  see  the  tree  that  stands  at  the  head  of 
her  grave.  .  .  .  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wade  are  living  in  the 
house,  having  arrived  here  about  a  month  after  Ann's 
death,  and  Mrs.  W.  has  taken  charge  of  my  pooi 
motherless  Maria.  .  .  .  When  I  arrived  Mr.  Wade 
met  me  at  the  landing-place,  and  as  I  passed  on  to  the 
house,  one  and  another  of  the  native  Christians  came 
out,  and  when  they  saw  me  they  began  to  weep.  At 
length  we  reached  the  house ;  and  I  almost  expected 


LIFE   OF  MRS.   ANN  H.   JUDSON. 

to  see  my  love  coming  out  to  meet  me  as  usual,  but 
no,  I  only  saw  in  the  arms  of  Mrs.  Wade,  a  poor  puny 
child,  who  could  not  recognize  her  father,  and  from 
whose  infant  mind  had  long  been  erased  all  recollec- 
tion of  the  mother  who  loved  her  so  much.  She  turn- 
ed away  from  me  in  alarm,  and  I,  obliged  to  seek  com- 
fort elsewhere,  found  my  way  to  the  grave,  but  who 
ever  obtained  comfort  there  ?  Thence  I  went  to  the 
house  in  which  I  left  her ;  and  looked  at  the  spot 
where  last  we  knelt  in  prayer,  and  where  we  ex- 
changed the  parting  kiss.  .  .  . 

"  It  seems  that  her  head  was  much  affected  and  she 
said  but  little.  She  sometimes  complained  thus:  '  The 
teacher  is  long  in  coming,  and  the  missionaries  are 
long  in  coming,  I  must  die  alone  and  leave  my  little 
one,  but  as  it  is  the  will  of  God,  I  acquiesce  in  his  will. 
I  am  not  afraid  of  death,  but  I  am  afraid  I  shall  not  be 
able  to  bear  these  pains.  Tell  the  teacher  that  the 
disease  was  most  violent,  and  I  could  not  write ;  tell 
him  how  I  suffered  and  died ;  tell  him  all  you  see.'  .  . 
When  she  could  not  notice  anything  else,  she  would 
still  call  the  child  to  her,  and  charge  the  nurse  to  be 
kind  to  it,  and  indulge  it  in  everything  till  its  father 
should  return.  The  last  day  or  two  she  lay  almost 
senseless  and  motionless,  on  one  side,  her  head  reclin- 
ing on  her  arm,  her  eyes  closed,  and  at  eight  in  the 


LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON.  177 

evening,  with  one  exclamation  of  distress  in  the  Bur- 
man  language,  she  ceased  to  breathe." 

From  the  physician  who  attended  her  he  afterwards 
learned  that  the  fatal  termination  of  her  disease,  was 
chiefly  owing  to  the  weakness  of  her  constitution  oc- 
casioned by  the  severe  privations,  and  long-protracted 
sufferings  which  she  endured  at  Ava.  "  And  oh !" 
adds  her  husband,  "  With  what  meekness,  patience, 
magnanimity  and  Christian  fortitude,  she  bore  those 
sufferings ;  and  can  I  wish  they  had  been  less  ?  Can  I 
sacriligiously  wish  to  rob  her  crown  of  a  single  gem  ? 
Much  she  saw  and  suffered  of  the  evils  of  this  evil 
world ;  and  eminently  was  she  qualified  to  relish  and 
enjoy  the  pure  and  holy  rest  into  which  she  has  enter- 
ed. True  she  has  been  taken  from  a  sphere  in  which 
she  was  singularly  qualified,  by  her  natural  disposition, 
her  winning  manners,  her  devoted  zeal,  and  her  per- 
fect acquaintance  with  the  language,  to  be  extensively 
serviceable  to  the  cause  of  Christ ;  true  she  has  been 
torn  from  her  husband's  bleeding  heart  and  from  her 
darling  babe ;  but  infinite  wisdom  and  love  have  pre- 
sided, as  ever,  in  this  most  afflicting  dispensation. 
Faith  decides  that  all  is  right." 

To  show  that  Mrs.  Judson  was  already  appreciated 

as  she  deserved  by  the  European  society  in  Amherst, 

we  will  subjoin  part  of  a  letter  from  Captain  F.  of  that 

place  to  a  friend  in  Rangoon :  "  I  shall  not  attempt  to 

12  H* 


178  LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

give  you  an  account  of  the  gloom  which  the  death  of 
this  amiable  woman  has  thrown  over  our  little  society, 
you  who  were  so  well  acquainted  with  her,  will  feel 
her  loss  more  deeply ;  but  we  had  just  known  her  long 
enough  to  value  her  acquaintance  as  a  blessing  in  this 
remote  corner.  I  dread  the  effect  it  will  have  on  poor 
Judson.  I  am  sure  you  will  take  every  care  that  this 
mournful  intelligence  may  be  opened  to  him  as  care- 
fully as  possible." 

•  In  the  Calcutta  Review  of  1 848,  we  find  this  noble 
tribute  to  her  memory :  "  Of  Mrs.  Judson  little  is 
known  in  the  noisy  world.  Few  comparatively  are 
acquainted  with  her  name,  few  with  her  actions,  but 
if  any  woman  since  the  first  arrival  of  the  white 
strangers  on  the  shores  of  India,  has  on  that  great 
theatre  of  war,  stretching  between  the  mouth  of  the 
Irrawady  and  the  borders  of  the  Hindoo  Kush,  rightly 
earned  for  herself  the  title  of  a  heroine,  Mrs.  Judson 
has,  by  her  doings  and  sufferings,  fairly  earned  the  dis- 
tinction— a  distinction,  be  it  said,  which  her  true 
woman's  nature  would  have  very  little  appreciated. 
Still  it  is  right  that  she  should  be  honored  by  the 
world.  Her  sufferings  were  far  more  unendurable, 
her  heroism  far  more  noble,  than  any  which  in  more 
recent  times  have  been  so  much  pitied  and  so  much 
applauded  ;  but  she  was  a  simple  missionary's  wife,  an 
American  bv  birth,  and  she  told  her  tale  with  an  art- 


LIFE  OF  MRS.  ANN  H.  JUDSON.  179 

less  modesty — writing  only  what  it  became  her  to 
write,  treating  only  of  matters  that  became  a  woman. 
Her  captivity,  if  so  it  can  be  called,  was  voluntarily 
endured.  She  of  her  own  free  will  shared  the  suffer- 
ings of  her  husband,  taking  to  herself  no  credit  for 
anything  she  did ;  putting  her  trust  in  God,  and  pray- 
ing to  him  to  strengthen  her  human  weakness.  She 
was  spared  to  breathe  once  again  the  free  air  of 
liberty,  but  her  troubles  had  done  the  work  of  death  on 
her  delicate  frame,  and  she  was  soon  translated  to 
heaven.  She  was  the  real  heroine.  The  annals  in 
the  East  present  us  with  no  parallel." 

On  the  26th  of  April,  Mr.  Judson  writes,  "  My 
sweet  little  Maria  lies  by  the  side  of  her  fond  mother. 
Her  complaint  proved  incurable.  The  work  of  death 
went  forward,  and  after  the  usual  process,  excruciating 
to  a  parent's  feelings,  she  ceased  to  breathe  on  the 
24th  inst.,  at  3  o'clock  P.M.,  aged  2  years  and  3 
months.  We  then  closed  her  faded  eyes,  and  bound 
up  her  discolored  lips,  and  folded  her  little  hands — the 
exact  pattern  of  her  mother's — on  her  cold  breast. 
The  next  morning  we  made  her  last  bed,  under  the 
hope  tree,  (Hopia,)  in  the  small  enclosure  which  sur- 
rounds her  mother's  lonely  grave." 

Many  months  later,  he  wrote ;  "  You  ask  many 
questions  about  our  sufferings  at  Ava,  but  how  can  I 
answer  them  now  ?  There  would  be  some  pleasure  in 


180  LIFE  OP  MRS.   ANN  H.  JUDSON. 

reviewing  those  scenes  if  she  were  alive;  now  I  can- 
not. The  only  reflection  that  assuages  the  anguish 
of  retrospection  is,  that  she  now  rests  far  away,  where 
no  spotted-faced  executioner  can  fill  her  heart  with 
terror ;  where  no  unfeeling  magistrate  can  extort  the 
scanty  pittance  which  she  had  preserved  through 
every  risk  to  sustain  her  fettered  husband  and  famish- 
ing babe  ;  no  more  exposed  to  lie  on  a  bed  of  languish- 
ment,  stung  with  the  uncertainty  what  would  become 
of  her  poor  husband  and  child  when  she  was  gone. 
No,  she  has  her  little  ones  around  her,  I  trust,  and  has 
taught  them  to  praise  the  source  whence  their  deliver- 
ance flowed.  Her  little  son,  his  soul  enlarged  tc 
angel's  size,  was  perhaps  first  to  meet  her  at  heaven's 
portals,  and  welcome  his  mother  to  his  own  abode — and 
her  daughter  followed  her  in  six  short  months."  .  .  . 
"  And  when  we  all  meet  in  Heaven — when  all  have 
arrived,  and  we  find  all  safe,  forever  safe,  and  our 
Saviour  ever  safe  and  glorious,  and  in  him  all  his  be- 
loved— oh  shall  we  not  be  happy,  and  ever  praise  him 
who  has  endured  the  cross  to  wear  and  confer  such  a 
crown !" 


PART  II 

THE   LIFE   OF   SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 


SECOND    WltfK    0? 


REV.  ADONIRAM  JUDSON,  DJ). 


(Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Mr.  Judson.) 

"  I  exceedingly  regret  that  there  is  no  portrait  of  the  second  as  of 
the  first  Mrs.  Judson.  Her  soft  blue  eyes,  her  mild  aspect,  her  lovely 
face  and  elegant  form,  have  never  been  delineated  on  canvass.  They 
must  soon  pass  away  from  the  memory  even  of  her  children,  but  they 
will  remain  forever  enshrined  in  her  husband's  heart." 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 


CHAPTER  I. 

BIETH   AND  EDUCATION. — POETICAL   TALENT. 

IN  an  Article  in  the  North  American  Review  of  1835, 
we  find  the  following  admirable  sentiments :  "  It  is 
impossible  to  peruse  the  written  life  of  any  man  or 
woman  who  has  manifested  great  intellectual  or  moral 
power,  whether  in  a  holy  cause  or  an  unholy  one, 
without  a  strong  admiration  and  a  deep  sympathy,  and 
a  powerful  impulse  toward  imitation.  The  soul  is 
awakened,  the  active  powers  are  roused,  the  contem- 
plation of  high  achievement  kindles  emulation ;  and 
well  would  it  be  were  the  character  of  those  leading 
minds,  which  thus  draw  after  them  the  mass  of  man- 
kind, always  virtuous  and  noble.  But  in  the  vast  ma- 
jority of  instances,  the  leaders  of  mankind,  are  in- 
dividuals whose  principles  and  motives  the  Christian 
must  condemn,  as  hostile  to  the  spirit  of  the  gospel. 
More  precious  therefore,  is  the  example  of  that  pious 


184:  LIFE  OP  SABAH  B.  JUDSON. 

few  who  have  devoted  themselves  with  pure  hearts 
fervently,  ta  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  good  of  man, 
and  whose  energy  of  purpose,  and  firmness  of  principle, 
and  magnanimity  in  despising  difficulty  and  danger, 
and  suffering  and  death,  in  the  accomplishment  of  a 
noble  end,  rouse  into  active  admiration  all  who  con- 
template their  glorious  career." 

Such  a  '  glorious  career*  was  that  of  the  honored 
missionary  whose  life  has  been  sketched  in  the  former 
part  of  this  volume ;  and  such  too  was  hers  who  forms 
the  subject  of  the  present  memoir.  Sarah  B.  Hall  was 
the  eldest  of  thirteen  children.  Her  parents  were 
Ralph  and  Abiah  Hall,  who  removed  during  her  in- 
fancy from  Alstead,  New  Hampshire,  the  place  of  her 
birth,  to  Salem,  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts.  Her 
parents  not  being  wealthy,  she  was  early  trained  to 
those  habits  of  industry,  thoughtfulness  and  self-denial 
which  distinguished  her  through  life.  Children  so 
situated  are  sometimes  pitied  by  those  who  consider 
childhood  as  the  proper  season  for  careless  mirth  and 
reckless  glee  ;  but  they  often  form  characters  of  solid 
excellence  rarely  possessed  by  those  to  whom  fortune 
has  been  more  indulgent.  Their  struggle  with  ob- 
stacles in  the  way  of  improvement,  and  final  triumph 
over  them,  is  an  invaluable  preparation  for  the  rude 
conflicts  of  life ;  their  ingenuity  is  quickened  by  the 
hourly  necessity  of  expedients  to  meet  emergencies , 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON.  185 

and  the  many  trials  which  are  unavoidable  in  their 
circumstances,  and  which  must  be  met  with  energy 
and  resolution,  give  habits  of  patient  endurance,  and 
noble  courage. 

From  all  the  accounts  which  we  have  of  her, 
Sarah  must  have  been  a  most  engaging  child.  Gentle 
and  affectionate  in  disposition,  and  persuasive  and 
winning  in  manners,  there  was  yet  an  ardor  and  en- 
thusiasm in  her  character,  combined  with  a  quiet 
firmness  and  perseverance,  that  ensured  success  in 
whatever  she  attempted,  and  gave  promise  of  the  lofty 
excellence  to  which  she  afterwards  attained.  All  who 
have  sketched  her  character  notice  one  peculiarity — 
and  it  is  one  which  commonly  attends  high  merit — her 
modest  unobtrusiveness. 

She  was  very  fond  of  little  children,  and  easily 
won  their  affections ;  but  showed  little  disposition 
even  in  childhood,  to  mingle  in  the  sports  of  those  of 
her  own  age.  This  arose  from  no  want  of  cheerful- 
ness in  her  bosom  ;  but  from  a  certain  thoughtfulness, 
and  fondness  for  intellectual  exercises  which  were 
early  developed  in  her  character. 

Her  principle,  as  well  as  her  fondness  for  her 
mother,  led  her  never  to  shrink  from  what  are  termed 
domestic  duties,  but  her  heart  was  not  in  them  as  it 
was  in  study  and  meditation.  An  illustration  of  this 
trait  was  recently  related  by  her  brother.  Sarah  was 


186  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 

repeating  some  lines  on  the  death  of  Nancy  Cornelius, 
which  attracted  the  attention  of  her  mother,  who 
asked  her  where  she  had  learned  them.  With  some 
hesitation  the  child  confessed  that  she  had  composed 
them  the  day  before,  while  engaged  in  some  domestic 
avocation,  during  which  her  unusual  abstracedness 
had  been  noticed.  Her  early  poetical  attempts  evince 
uncommon  facility  in  versification ;  and  talent,  that  if 
cultivated  might  have  placed  her  high  in  the  ranks  of 
those  who  have  trod  the  flowery  paths  of  literature ; 
but  hers  was  a  higher  vocation ;  and  poetry,  which 
was  the  delightful  recreation  of  her  childhood,  and 
never  utterly  neglected  in  her  riper  years,  was  never 
to  her  anything  more  than  a  recreation. 

Her  effusions  at  the  age  of  thirteen  are  truly  re- 
markable, when  we  consider  the  circumstances  under 
which  they  were  written.  One,  which  is  given  by 
her  biographer  as  it  was  probably  amended  by  the 
'  cultivated  taste  of  later  years,'  now  lies  before  me  as 
it  was  first  written ;  and  the  improved  copy,  though 
greatly  superior  in  beauty  to  the  first,  seems  to  me  to 
lack  the  vigor  and  energy,  which  more  than  atone  for 
the  many  blemishes  of  the  other.  Our  readers  shall 
judge.  We  insert  the  childish  composition ;  the  other 
is  to  be  found  in  her  graceful  memoir  by  '  Fanny  For- 
rester.' She  calls  it  "  a  Versification  of  David's  lament 
over  Saul  and  Jonathan." 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  ISTDSON.  187 

The  '  beauty  of  Israel'  forever  is  fled, 

And  low  lie  the  noble  and  strong ; 
Te  daughters  of  music  encircle  the  dead, 

And  chant  the  funereal  song. 

O  never  let  Gath  know  their  sorrowful  doom, 

Nor  Askelon  hear  of  their  fate ; 
Their  daughters  would  scoff  while  we  lay  in  the  tomb, 

The  relics  of  Israel's  great 

As  strong  as  young  lions  were  they  in  the  field ; 

Like  eagles  they  never  knew  fear ; 
As  dark  autumn  clouds  were  the  studs  of  their  shield, 

And  swifter  than  wind  flew  their  spear. 

My  brother,  my  friend,  must  I  bid  t hee  adieu ! 

Ah  yes,  I  behold  thy  deep  wound — 
Thy  bosom,  once  warm  as  my  tears  that  fast  flow, 

Is  colder  than  yonder  clay  mound. 

Te  mountains  of  Gilboa,  never  may  dew 

Descend  on  your  verdure  so  green ; 
Loud  thunder  may  roar,  and  fierce  lightning  may  glow, 

But  never  let  showers  be  seen. 

Your  verdure  may  scorch  in  the  bright  blazing  sun, 

The  night-blast  may  level  your  wood ; 
For  beneath  it,  unhallowed,  were  broken  and  thrown 

The  arms  of  the  chosen  of  God. 

Te  daughters  of  Israel,  snatch  from  your  brow 

Those  garlands  of  eglantine  fair ; 
Let  cypress  and  nightshade,  the  emblems  of  woe, 

Be  wreathed  in  your  beautiful  hair. 

Approach,  and  with  sadness  encircle  the  dead, 

And  chant  the  funereal  song — 
The  '  beanty  of  Israel'  forever  is  fled, 

And  low  lie  the  noble  and  strong. 


188  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 

Some  other  effusions,  probably  of  a  later  date,  we 
will  here  insert,  not  only  for  their  merit,  but  to  show 
what  those  powers  were  which  she  sacrificed,  when 
she  turned  from  the  cultivation  of  her  fancy,  to  that 
of  her  higher  and  nobler  faculties. 

ENCAMPMENT    OP    ISRAELITES    AT    ELIM. 

"  Slowly  and  sadly,  through  the  desert  waste, 
The  fainting  tribes  their  dreary  pathway  traced ; 
Far  as  the  eye  could  reach  th'  horizon  round, 
Did  one  vast  sea  of  sand  the  vision  bound. 
No  verdant  shrub,  nor  murmuring  brook  was  near, 
The  weary  eye  and  sinking  soul  to  cheer ; 
No  fanning  zephyr  lent  its  cooling  breath, 
But  all  was  silent  as  the  sleep  of  death ; 
Their  very  footsteps  fell  all  noiseless  there 
As  stifled  by  the  moveless,  burning  air ; 
And  hope  expired  in  many  a  fainting  breast, 
And  many  a  tongue  e'en  Egypt's  bondage  blest 
Hark  I  through  the  silent  waste,  what  murmur  breaks ! 
What  scene  of  beauty  'mid  the  desert  wakes  ? 
Oh  1  'tis  a  fountain !  shading  trees  are  there, 
And  their  cool  freshness  steals  out  on  the  air !  * , 

With  eager  haste  the  fainting  pilgrims  rush, 
Where  Elim's  cool  and  sacred  waters  gush ; 
Prone  on  the  bank,  where  murmuring  fountains  flow, 
Their  wearied,  fainting,  listless  forms  they  throw; 
Deep  of  the  vivifying  waters  drink, 
Then  rest  in  peace  and  coolness  on  the  brink, 
While  the  soft  zephyrs,  and  the  fountain's  flow, 
Breathe  their  sweet  lullaby  in  cadence  low. 
Oh  1  to  the  way-worn  pilgrim's  closing  eyes, 
How  rare  the  beauty  that  about  him  lies  I 
Each  leaf  that  quivers  on  the  waving  trees, 
Each  wave  that  swells  and  murmurs  in  the  breeze, 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  189 

Brings  to  his  grateful  heart  a  thrill  of  bliss, 

And  wakes  each  nerve  to  life  and  happiness. 

When  day's  last  flush  had  faded  from  the  sky, 

And  night's  calm  glories  rose  upon  the  eye, 

Sweet  hymns  of  rapture  through  the  palm-trees  broke, 

And  the  loud  timbrels  deep  response  awoke  ; 

Kich,  full  of  melody  the  concert  ran, 

Of  praise  to  God,  of  gratitude  in  man, 

While,  as  at  intervals,  the  music  fell, 

Was  heard,  monotonous,  the  fountain's  swell, 

That,  in  their  rocky  shrines,  flowed  murmuring  there, 

And  song  and  coolness  shed  along  the  air ; 

Night  mantled  deeper,  voices  died  away, 

The  deep-toned  timbrel  ceased  its  thrilling  sway ; 

And  there,  beside,  no  other  music  gushing, 

Were  heard  the  solitary  fountains  rushing, 

In  melody  their  song  around  was  shed, 

And  lulled  the  sleepers  on  their  verdant  bed." 

*  COME    OVER    AND    HELP   US." 

"  Te,  on  whom  the  glorious  gospel, 

Shines  with  beams  serenely  bright, 
Pity  the  deluded  nations, 

Wrapped  in  shades  of  dismal  night ; 
Te,  whose  bosoms  glow  with  rapture, 

At  the  precious  hopes  they  bear ; 
Te,  who  know  a  Saviour's  mercy, 

Listen  to  our  earnest  prayer  1 

See  that  race,  deluded,  blinded, 

Bending  at  yon  horrid  shrine ; 
Madness  pictured  in  their  faces, 

Emblems  of  the  frantic  mind ; 
They  have  never  heard  of  Jesus, 

Never  to  th'  Eternal  prayed ; 
Paths  of  death  and  woe  they're  treading, 

Christian  1  Christian  1  come  and  aid] 


190  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 

By  that  rending  shriek  of  horror 

Issuing  from  the  flaming  pile, 
By  the  bursts  of  mirth  that  follow, 

By  that  Brahmin's  fiend-like  smile 
By  the  infant's  piercing  cry, 

Drowned  in  Ganges'  rolling  wave ; 
By  the  mother's  tearful  eye, 

Friends  of  Jesus,  come  and  save  1 

By  that  pilgrim,  weak  and  hoary, 

Wandering  far  from  friends  and  home, 
Vainly  seeking  endless  glory 

At  the  false  Mahomet's  tomb ; 
By  that  blind,  derided  nation, 

Murderers  of  the  Son  of  God, 
Christians,  grant  us  our  petition, 

Ere  we  lie  beneath  the  sod  1 

By  the  Afric's  hopes  so  wretched, 

"Which  at  death's  approach  shall  fly 
By  the  scalding  tears  that  trickle 

From  the  slave's  wild  sunken  eye 
By  the  terrors  of  that  judgment, 

"Which  shall  fix  our  final  doom ; 
Listen  to  our  cry  so  earnest ; — 

Friends  of  Jesus,  come,  oh,  come 

By  the  martyrs'  toils  and  sufferings, 

By  their  patience,  zeal,  and  love ; 
By  the  promise  of  the  Mighty, 

Bending  from  His  throne  above ; 
By  the  last  command  so  precious, 

Issued  by  the  risen  God ; 
Christians !  Christians  1  come  and  help  us, 

Ere  we  lie  beneath  the  sod  I" 

Sarah,  from  her  earliest   years  took  greal  delight 
in  reading.     At  four  years,  says  her  brother,  she  could 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON.  193 

read  readily  in  any  common  book.  Her  rank  in  hei 
classes  in  school  was  always  high,  and  her  teachers 
felt  a  pleasure  in  instructing  her.  On  one  occasion, 
when  about  thirteen,  she  was  compelled  to  signify  to 
the  principal  of  a  female  seminary,  that  her  circum- 
stances would  no  longer  permit  her  to  enjoy  its  ad- 
vantages. The  teacher,  unwilling  to  lose  a  pupil  who 
was  an  honor  to  the  school,  and  who  so  highly  appre- 
ciated its  privileges,  remonstrated  with  her  upon  her 
intention,  and  finally  prevailed  on  her  to  remain.  Soon 
after  she  commenced  instructing  a  class  of  small  chil- 
dren, and  was  thus  enabled  to  keep  her  situation  in 
the  seminary,  without  sacrificing  her  feelings  of  inde- 
pendence. 

Her  earliest  journals,  fragmentary  as  they  are,  dis- 
close a  zeal  and  ardor  in  self-improvement  exceedingly 
unusual.  "  My  mother  cannot  spare  me  to  attend 
school  this  winter,  but  I  have  begun  to  pursue  my 
studies  at  home."  Again:  "  My  parents  are  not  in  a 
situation  to  send  me  to  school  this  summer,  so  I  must 
make  every  exertion  in  my  power  to  improve  at 
home."  Again,  in  a  note  to  a  little  friend,  "  I  feel  very 
anxious  to  adopt  some  plan  for  our  mutual  improve- 
ment." How  touching  are  these  simple  expressions ! 
How  severely  do  they  rebuke  the  apathy  of  thousands 
of  young  persons,  who  allow  golden  opportunities  of 
improvement  to  slip  away  from .  them  forever — oppor 


192  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 

tunities  which  to  Sarah  Hall  and  such  as  she,  were  of 
priceless  value !  Yet  it  is  not  one  of  the  least  of  the 
compensations  with  which  the  providence  of  God 
abounds,  that  the  very  lack  of  favorable  circumstances 
is  sometimes  most  favorable  to  the  development  of 
latent  resources.  Thus  it  was  with  Sarah.  Hei 
whole  career  shows  that  her  mind  had  been  early 
trained  and  disciplined  in  that  noblest  of  all  schools, 
the  school  of  adverse  fortune. 


CHAPTER  II. 

CONVERSION. — BIAS    TOWARD   A    MISSIONARY    LIFE. — ACQUAINTANCE    WITH 

ME.    EOAEDMAN. 

AMIABLE  as  she  was,  and  conscientious  in  a  degree 
not  usual,  Sarah  knew  that  "yet  one  thing  she  lacked;" 
and  this  knowledge  often  disquieted  her.  But  her  first 
deep  and  decided  convictions  of  sin,  seem  to  have 
been  produced,  about  the  year  1820,  under  the  preach- 
ing of  Mr.  Cornelius.  Her  struggles  of  mind  were  fear- 
ful, and  she  sunk  almost  to  the  verge  of  despair ;  but 
hope  dawned  at  last,  and  she  was  enabled  to  conse- 
crate her  whole  being  to  the  service  of  her  Maker. 
She  soon  after  united  with  the  first  Baptist  church 
in  Salem,  under  the  care  of  Dr.  Bolles. 

The  missionary  spirit  was  early  developed  in  her 
heart.  Even  before  her  conversion,  her  mind  was 
often  exercised  with  sentiments  of  commiseration  for 
the  situation  of  ignorant  heathen  and  idolaters ;  and 
after  that  event  it  was  the  Jeading  idea  of  her  life. 

The  cause  of  this  early  bias  is  unknown,  but  it  was 
shown  in  her  conversations,  her  letters  and  notes  to 

• 

friends,  and  in  her  early  poetical  effusions.     She  even 

13  ' 


194  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

tremblingly  investigated  her  own  fitness  to  become  A 
vessel  of  mercy  to  the  far  off,  perishing  heathen  ;  acd 
then,  shrinking  from  what  seemed  to  her  the  presump- 
tuous thought,  she  gave  herself  with  new  zeal  to  the 
work  of  benefitting  those  immediately  around  her. 
"  Shortly  after  her  conversion,"  says  her  brother,  "  she 
observed  the  destitute  condition  of  the  children  in  the 
neighborhood  in  which  she  resided.  With  the  assist- 
ance of  some  young  friends  as  teachers,  she  organized, 
and  continued  through  the  favorable  portions  of  the 
year,  a  Sunday-school,  of  which  she  assumed  the 
responsibility  of  superintendent ;  and  at  the  usual  an- 
nual celebrations,  she  with  her  teachers  and  scholars, 
joined  in  the  exercises  which  accompany  that  festi- 
val." 9 

"It  is  my  ardent  desire,"  she  writes  to  a  friend, 
"  that  the  glorious  work  of  reformation  may  extend  till 
every  knee  shall  bow  to  the  living  God.  For  this  ex- 
pected, this  promised  era,  let  us  pray  earnestly,  un- 
ceasingly, and  with  faith.  How  can  I  be  so  inactive, 
when  1  know  that  thousands  are  perishing  in  this  land 
of  grace  ;  and  millions  in  other  lands  are  at  this  very 
moment  kneeling  before  senseless  idols !" 

And  in  her  journal — "  Sinners  perishing  all  around 
me,  and  I  almost  panting  *to  tell  the  far  heathen  of 
Christ !  Surely  this  is  wrong.  I  will  no  longer  in- 
dulge the  vain  foolish  wish,  but  endeavor  to  be  useful 


LIFE  OF  SAKAH  B.   JUDSON.  195 

in  the  position  where  Providence  has  placed  me.  I 
can  pray  for  deluded  idolaters,  and  for  those  who 
labor  among  them,  and  this  is  a  privilege  indeed." 

This  strong  bias  of  her  mind  toward  a  missionary 
life,  was  well  known  to  her  m'other,  who  still  remem- 
bers with  a  tender  interest  an  incident  connected  with 
it.  Sarah  had  been  deeply  affected  by  the  death  of 
Colman,  who  in  the  midst  of  his  labors  among  the 
heathen,  had  suddenly  been  called  to  his  reward. 
Some  time  afterward  she  returned  from  an  evening 
meeting,  and  with  a  countenance  radiant  with  joy,  an- 
nounced— what  her  pastor  had  mentioned  in  the  meet- 
ing— that  a  successor  to  Colman  had  been  found ;  a 
young  man  in  Maine  named  Boardman  had  deter- 
mined to  raise  and  bear  to  pagan  Burrnah  the  standard 
which  had  fallen  from  his  dying  hand.  With  that 
maternal  instinct  which  sometimes  forebodes  a  future 
calamity  however  improbable,  her  mother  turned  away 
from  her  daughter's  joyous  face,  for  the  thought  flash- 
ed involuntarily  through  her  mind,  that  the  young 
missionary  would  seek  as  a  companion  of  his  toils,  a 
kindred  spirit ;  and  where  would  he  find  one  so  con- 
genial as  the  lovely  being  before  her  ? 

Her  fears  were  realized.  Some  lines  written  by 
"  the  enthusiastic  Sarah"  on  the  death  of  Colman,  met 
the  eye  of  the  "  young  man  in  Maine,"  who  was 
touched  and  interested  by  the  spirit  which  breathes  in 


196  LIFE  OF  SAEAH  B.   JUDSON. 

them,  and  did  not  rest  til]  he  had  formed  an  acquaint- 
ance with  their  author.  This  acquaintance  was  fol- 
lowed by  an  engagement ;  and  in  about  two  years, 
Sarah's  ardent  aspirations  were  gratified — she  was  a 
missionary  to  the  heathen. 

But  we  are  anticipating  events  ;  and  will  close  this 
chapter  with  extracts  from  the  "  Lines  on  the  death  of 
Colman,"  of  which  we  have  spoken. 

"  Tis  the  voice  of  deep  sorrow  from  India's  shore, 

The  flower  of  our  churches  is  withered,  is  dead, 
The  gem  that  shone  brightly  will  sparkle  no  more, 
And  the  tears  of  the  Christian  profusely  are  shed , 
Two  youths  of  Columbia,  with  hearts  glowing  warm 

Embarked  on  the  billows  far  distant  to  rove, 
To  bear  to  the  nations  all  wrapp'd  in  thick  gloom, 

The  lamp  of  the  gospel — the  message  of  love. 
But  Wheelock  now  slumbers  beneath  the  cold  wave, 
Aud  Colman  lies  low  in  the  dark  cheerless  grave. 

Mourn,  daughters  of  India,  mourn ! 
The  rays  of  that  ster,  clear  and  bright, 

That  f>o  fwe^y  rn  Arracan  shone 
Are  shr'Air'.er'  ir  black  clouds  of  night, 
F  ji  Colman  is  gone  I 


Oh  Colman  1  thy  father  weeps  not  o'er  thy  grave ; 

Thy  heart-riven  mother  ne'er  sighs  o'er  thy  dust; 
But  the  long  Indian  grass  o'er  thy  far  tomb  shall  wave, 

And  the  drops  of  the  evening  descend  on  the  just. 
Cold,  silent  and  dark  is  thy  narrow  abode — 

But  not  long  wilt  thou  sleep  in  that  dwelling  of  gloom, 
For  soon  shall  be  heard  the  great  trump  of  our  God, 

To  summon  all  nations  to  hear  their  last  doom ; 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  197 

A  garland  of  amaranth  then  shall  be  thine, 

And  thy  name  on  the  martyrs'  bright  register  shine. 

O  what  glory  will  burst  on  thy  view 
When  are  placed  by  the  Judge  of  the  earth, 

The  flowers  that  in  India  grew 
By  thy  care,  in  the  never-pale  wreath 
Encircling  thy  browl 


CHAPTER 


ACCOUNT   OF    GEOEQE    DANA    BOAEDMAN. 

WB  -seed  offer  no  apology  for  turning  aside  from  the 
immediate  subject  of  our  narrative,  in  order  to  intro- 
duce to  our  readers  one,  who  must  henceforth  share 
with  her  our  sympathy  and  our  affection  ;  we  mean 
George  Dana  Boardman  —  the  successor  to  Colman 
spoken  of  in  the  last  chapter. 

He  was  the  son  of  a  Baptist  clergyman  in  Liver- 
more,  Maine,  and  was  born  in  1801.  Though  feeble 
in  body,  he  had  an  ardent  thirst  for  knowledge,  which 
often  made  him  conceal  illness  for  fear  of  being  detain- 
ed from  school.  At  a  suitable  age,  he  was  sent  to  an 
academy  in  North  Yarmouth,  where  he  became  dis- 
tinguished for  ardor  in  the  pursuit  of  learning,  and  fine 
mental  powers.  It  is  related,  that  he  went  through 
the  Latin  grammar  with  surprising  rapidity,  and  then 
expected  to  be  allowed  to  use  the  Lexicon,  but  was 
told  he  must  go  through  the  grammar  once  or  twice 
more.  "Disappointed,  he  returned  to  his  seat,  and 
in  an  hour  or  two  was  called  up  to  recite,  when  he 


LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSOK  199 

repeated  verbatim  sixteen  pages  of  the  grammar 
His  preceptor  inquired  if  he  had  got  more ;  he  answer- 
ed yes ;  and  on  being  asked  how  much,  replied,  I  can 
recite  the  whole  book,  sir,  if  you  wish !"  He  after- 
wards manifested  equal  power  in  mathematics.  At 
sixteen,  he  engaged  in  school-teaching,  in  order  to 
obtain  means  for  a  collegiate  course — the  great  object 
of  his  ambition — and  in  this  employment  he  mani- 
fested a  knowledge  of  human  nature  and  of  the  in- 
fluences which  control  it,  truly  wonderful.  The  most 
turbulent  and  disorderly  schools,  became,  in  his  hands, 
models  of  system  and  regularity. 

In  1819,  when  18  years  old,  he  entered  Waterville 
College,  Maine.  He  was  at  this  time  a  youth  of  good 
principles,  inflexible  purpose,  strong  affections,  and  in- 
dependent opinions,  but  had  hitherto  given  no  evidence 
of  piety.  "  But  in  this  institution  his  thoughts  were 
directed  by  a  variety  of  circumstances,  to  a  considera- 
tion of  the  vast  and  important  topics  of  evangelical 
religion.  His  room-mate  was  a  very  pious  and  most 
warm-hearted  man.  The  officers  of  the  college  did 
all  in  their  power  to  elevate  his  thoughts  and  affec 
tions.  In  short,  every  external  influence  with  which 
a  young  man  could  be  surrounded,  was  calculated  to 
lead  his  mind  heavenward.  Under  the  operation  of 
these  causes,  he  was  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  induced  to 
consecrate  himself,  soul,  body,  and  spirit,  to  religion ; 


200  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 

and  in  1820,  he  made  a  public  profession  of  his  belief, 
and  was  baptized."* 

From  his  letters  and  journals,  we  find  that  he  soon 
turned  his  thoughts  to  the  subject  of  missions.  "  In 
the  winter  of  1820,"  he  says,  "the  thought  occurred  to 
me  that  I  could  take  my  Bible,  and  travel  through 
new  settlements  where  the  Gospel  was  seldom  or  never 
heard,  and  without  sustaining  the  name  of  a  preacher, 
could  visit  from  hut  to  hut,  and  tell  the  story  of  Jesus' 
dying  love.  Then  in  imagination,  I  could  welcome 
fatigue,  hunger,  cold,  solitude,  sickness  and  death,  if  I 
could  only  win  a  few  cottagers  to  my  beloved  Saviour." 

When  the  news  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Judson's  fellow- 
missionary,  Colnrian,  reached  America,  his  soul  was 
filled  with  desire  to  supply  the  place  of  that  beloved 
laborer  in  the  Burman  field.  Still  his  chief  aim  was 
to  leave  the  place  of  his  labors  entirely  to  the  guidance 
of  Providence.  On  graduating  at  college,  he  accepted 
the  office  of  tutor  in  it  for  one  year,  and  so  great  was 
the  promise  of  his  future  eminence,  that  the  good 
president  predicted  that  he  would,  at  a  future  day,  pre- 
side over  the  institution.  But  his  heart  was  fixed  on 
other  labor,  and  as  soon  as  his  engagement  was  com- 
pleted, he  hastened  to  offer  his  services  to  the  Board 
of  Foreign  Missions,  and  was  at  once  accepted  as  a 
missionary. 

*  North  American  Review. 


LIFE   OF  SAEAH  B.   JUDSON.  201 

The  parting  scene  between  Boardman  and  his  re- 
ligious friends  in  Waterville,  who  had  assembled  to 
bid  him  farewell,  is  said  by  one  present  on  that  occa- 
sion, to  have  been  exceedingly  touching.  "  The  eye 
of  Boardman  was  alone  undimmed  by  a  tear.  In  a 
tender  and  yet  unfaltering  tone  he  addressed  a  few 
words  to  his  brethren.  We  all  knelt  down  in  prayer 
together  for  the  last  time.  On  arising,  Boardman 
passed  round  the  room,  and  gave  to  each  his  hand  for 
the  last  time.  His  countenance  was  serene,  his  mild 
blue  eye  beamed  with  benignity,  and  though  there  was 
in  his  manner  a  tenderness  which  showed  he  had  a 
heart  to  feel,  yet  there  was  no  visible  emotion  till  he 
came  to  his  room-mate.  As  he  took  him  by  the  hand, 
his  whole  frame  became  convulsed,  his  eye  filled,  and 
the  tears  fell  fast,  as  if  all  the  tender  feelings  of  his 
spirit,  till  now  imprisoned,  had  at  this  moment  broken 
forth — 'farewell!'  he  faltered;  and  then  smiling  through 
his  tears,  said,  as  he  left  the  room,  '  we  shall  meet 
again  in  Heaven.'  " 

He  had  expected  immediately  to  leave  America  for 
Burmah,  in  the  same  ship  which  was  to  take  Mrs. 
Judson  back  to  that  country,  but  the  Board  decided 
to  detain  him  some  time  in  this  country  for  further 
preparation.  In  June,  1823,  he  entered  on  theological 
studies  in  the  seminary  at  Andover,  and  employed  all 
his  leisure  hours  in  reading  those  books  in  the  library 


202  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 

which  treated  of  the  manners,  customs,  and  religions 
of  heathen  countries. 

In  the  spring  of  1825  he  was  called  to  bid  his  coun- 
try farewell.  Natural  affection  was  strong,  but  the 
call  of  duty  was  stronger  still.  In  a  letter  he  says,  "  If 
tenderness  of  feeling — if  ardor  of  affection — if  attach- 
ment to  friends,  to  Christian  society  and  Christian  pri- 
vileges— if  apprehension  of  toil  and  danger  in  a  mis- 
sionary life — if  an  overwhelming  sense  of  responsibility 
could  detain  me  in  America,  I  should  never  go  to  Bur- 
mah."  And  in  his  journal — "Welcome  separations 
and  farewells  ;  welcome  tears  ;  welcome  last  sad  em- 
braces ;  welcome  pangs  and  griefs  ;  only  let  me  go 
where  my  Saviour  calls  and  goes  himself ;  welcome 
toils,  disappointments,  fatigues  and  sorrows  ;  WELCOME 

AN    EARLY    GRAVE!" 

It  is  easy  to  imagine  that  the  sympathy  and  affec- 
tion between  two  souls  constituted  like  Miss  Hall's 
and  Mr.  Boardman's,  both  of  whom  were  warmed  by 
the  same  zeal  for  the  cause  of  Christ  and  the  welfare 
of  the  heathen,  would  be  unusually  strong ;  and  indeed 
there  is  every  evidence,  that  from  the  time  they  be- 
came fully  acquainted,  the  most  tender  attachmen 
subsisted  between  them.  "  You  know,"  she  wrote 
long  afterward  to  her  mother,  "  how  tenderly  I  loved 
h>«n ;"  and  to  an  intimate  friend,  he  said  in  a  private 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  203 

conversation,  "  It  was  not  the  superiority  of  her  per- 
sonal charms,  though  these  were  by  no  means  small, 
but  it  was  her  intrinsic  excellence,  heightened  by  her 
modest,  unobtrusive  spirit,  that  endeared  her  to  my 
heart." 


CHAPTER  IV 

MARRIAGE     OF     MISS   HALL   AND   MB.    BOAEDMAN. THEY    SAIL    FOB     INDIA. 

LETTERS     FROM     MR.    B. LETTERS    FROM     MRS.    B. ANOTHER   LETTER 

FROM   MR.   B. 

IT  was  to  no  slight  sacrifice  that  the  parents  of 
Sarah  Hall  were  summoned,  when  called  to  consent 
to  her  departure  for  Burmah.  The  eldest  of  a  large 
family — arrived  at  an  age  when  she  could  not  only 
share  her  mother's  duties  and  labors,  but  be  to  her  a 
sympathizing  friend — possessed  of  every  quality  which 
could  endear  her  to  her  parents'  hearts — emphatically 
their  joy  and  pride — how  could  they  resign  her — espe- 
cially how  could  they  consent  to  her  life-long  exile 
from  her  native  land ;  to  end  perchance  in  a  cruel  mar- 
tyrdom on  a  heathen  shore  ?  Can  we  wonder  that  the 
mother  clinging  to  her  daughter's  neck,  exclaimedr  "  I 
cannot,  cannot  part  with  you !"  or  that  the  moment 
of  departure  must  arrive,  before  she  could  falter,  "  My 
child,  /  hope  1  am  willing  ?" 

Her  own  feelings  on  leaving  the  home  of  her  youth, 
with  him  wnc  was  henceforth  to  supply  to  her  the 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  205 

place  of  all  other  friends,  are  breathed  in  these  grace- 
fill  lines. 

"  When  far  from  those  whose  tender  care 
Protected  me  from  ills  when  young ; 
And  far  from  those  who  love  to  hear 
Affection  from  a  sister's  tongue ; 

When  on  a  distant  heathen  shore, 

The  deep  blue  ocean  I  shall  see ; 
And  know  the  waves  which  hither  bore 

Our  bark,  have  left  me  none  but  thee ; 
Perhaps  a  thought  of  childhood's  days 

Will  cause  a  tear  to  dim  my  eye ; 
And  fragments  of  forgotten  lays 

May  wake  the  echo  of  a  sigh. 
Oh !  wilt  thou  then  forgive  the  tear  ? 

Forgive  the  throbbings  of  my  heart  ? 
And  point  to  those  blest  regions,  where 

Friends  meet,  and  never,  never  part  ? 

And  when  shall  come  affliction's  storm, 

When  some  deep,  unexpected  grief 
Shall  pale  my  cheek,  and  waste  my  form, 

Then  wilt  thou  point  to  sweet  relief? 

And  wilt  thou,  then,  with  soothing  voice, 

Of  Jesus'  painful  conflicts  tell  I 
And  bid  my  aching  heart  rejoice, 

In  these  kind  accents — 'All  it  viellT 
When  blooming  health  and  strength  shall  fl/ 

And  I  the  prey  of  sickness  prove, 
Oh !  wilt  thou  watch  with  wakeful  eye, 

The  dying  pillow  of  thy  love  ? 

And  when  the  chilling  hand  of  death 

Shall  lead  me  to  my  house  in  heaven, 
And  to  the  damp,  repulsive  earth, 

In  cold  embrace,  this  form  be  given ; 


206  LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

Oh,  need  I  ask  thee,  wilt  thou  then, 

Upon  each  bright  and  pleasant  eve, 
Seek  out  the  solitary  glen, 

To  muse  beside  my  lonely  grave  ? 
And  -while  fond  memory  back  shall  steal, 

To  scenes  and  days  forever  fled ; 
Oh,  let  the  veil  of  love  conceal 

The  frailties  of  the  sleeping  dead. 

And  thou  may'st  weep  and  thou  may'st  joy, 

For  '  pleasant  is  the  joy  of  grief;' 
And  when  thou  look'st  with  tearful  eye 

To  heaven,  thy  God  will  give  relief. 

Wilt  thou,  then,  kneel  beside  the  sod 

Of  her  who  kneels  with  thee  no  more, 
And  give  thy  heart  anew  to  God, 

Who  griefs  unnumbered  for  thee  bore ! 
And  while  on  earth  thy  feet  shall  rove, 

To  scenes  of  bliss  oft  raise  thine  eye, 
Where,  all-absorbed  in  holy  love, 

I  wait  to  hail  thee  to  the  sky." 

On  the  3d  of  July,  1825,  the  marriage  took  place; 
Miss  Hall  being  then  21  years  old,  and  Mr.  Boardman 
24.  His  slender  figure,  and  transparent  complexion, 
even  then  seemed  to  indicate  that  his  mission  on  earth 
might  soon  be  fulfilled,  but  both  he  and  his  bride  were 
young  and  sanguine,  and  no  misgivings  for  the  future 
disturbed  their  happiness  in  each  other.  Indeed  the 
grief  of  parting  with  all  they  had  ever  loved  and 
cherished,  though  chastened  by  submission  to  what 
they  believed  the  Divine  call,  was  sufficient  to  merge 
all  lighter  causes  of  anxiety. 


LIFE  OP  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  207 

On  the  day  following  their  marriage  they  left  Salem 
for  the  place  of  embarkation.  They  were  to  sail  first 
to  Calcutta,  and  if  on  reaching  there  the  troubles  in 
Burmah  should  prevent  their  going  at  once  to  that 
country,  they  were  to  remain  in  Calcutta,  and  apply 
themselves  to  the  acquisition  of  the  Burman  language 

In  expectation  of  their  speedy  departure,  meetings 
for  special  prayer  were  held  at  Boston,  Salem,  New 
York,  and  Philadelphia.  The  spirit  which  animated 
these  meetings,  and  breathed  in  all  the  supplications 
offered,  was  indicative  of  deep  interest  in  the  mission, 
and  of  united  and  determined  resolution,  by  the  grace 
of  God  to  support  it.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.  were  every- 
where received  with  the  utmost  kindness,  and  nothing 
was  withheld  which  could  contribute  to  animate  them 
in  their  arduous  undertaking,  and  render  their  future 
voyage  pleasant  and  healthful.  The  captain  and  other 
officers  of  the  ship  Asia  in  which  they  were  to  sail, 
made  the  most  ample  provision  for  their  comfort  and 
accommodation,  and  rendered  them  every  attention 
in  a  manner  most  grateful  to  their  feelings.  At  a  con- 
cert of  prayer  in  Philadelphia,  Mr.  Boardman  was 
called  upon  to  give  a  brief  account  to  the  audience  of 
the  motives  which  had  induced  him  to  devote  his  life 
to  the  missionary  service.  In  his  reply,  he  took  occa- 
sion in  the  first  place  to  acknowledge  the  goodness  of 
God  to  him  through  his  whole  life.  When  he  entered 


208  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

Waterville  College — the  first  student  ever  admitted 
there  not  hopefully  pious — his  fellow-students,  im- 
pressed with  this  fact,  solemnly  engaged  with  each 
other,  unknown  to  him,  to  remember  him  in  their  sup- 
plications, until  their  prayers  for  his  conversion  should 
be  answered.  Six  months  from  that  time  he  found 
peace  in  believing,  and  his  first  prayer  was  that  God 
would  make  him  useful.  His  mind  was  so  impressed 
with  the  condition  of  our  Indian  tribes,  that  he  felt  in- 
clined to  carry  to  them  the  message  of  salvation.  But 
his  venerable  father,  whom  he  consulted  as  to  his  duty, 
advised  him  "  to  wait  on  God,  and  He  would  conduct 
him  in  the  right  way."  After  some  time,  his  choice 
was  decided  in  favor  of  the  Burman  mission  by  such 
indications,  that  he  considered  his  call  to  this  service 
distinctly  and  plainly  marked.  He  adverted  in  a  very 
tender  manner  to  some  peculiar  indications  of  Provi- 
dence, especially  to  the  manner  in  which  his  parents 
received  the  knowledge  of  his  determination.  Their 
remark  was,  It  has  long  been  our  desire  to  do  some- 
thing for  the  mission  ;  and  if  God  will  accept  our 
son,  we  make  the  surrender  with  cheerfulness* 

In  reading  this  account,  do  we  not  feel  emotions  of 

moral  sublimity  in  contemplating  these  tender  and 

aged  parents,  who,  "  moved  with  love  for  a  benevolent 

God,  and  for  their  fellow-creatures,  surrender  their  son, 

*  Baptist  Magazine,  1825. 


LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  209 

bright  with  talents  and  virtues,  rich  in  learning  and  in 
the  respect  of  all  who  knew  him,  but  feeble  and  sickly 
in  body,  to  the  missionary  labor — whose  certain  and 
speedy  end  is  death  ?"* 

Mrs.  Boardman  with  her  husband  took  her  final 
leave  of  her  beloved  native  land  on  the  16th  of  July, 
1825.  To  her  sister,  when  two  weeks  out  at  sea,  she 
writes :  "  We  think  we  never  enjoyed  better  health. 
That  beneficent  Parent,  who  is  ever  doing  us  good, 
has  bestowed  upon  us,  in  the  officers  of  the  ship,  oblig- 
ing and  affectionate  friends.  .  .  .  Everything  regard- 
ing our  table,  is  convenient  and  agreeable  as  we  could 
enjoy  on  shore.  Our  family  consists  of  the  captain, 
two  mates,  two  supercargoes,  a  physician,  Mrs.  Fow- 
ler, and  ourselves.  Mr.  Blaikie,  the  chief  supercargo, 
is  not  only  a  gentleman,  but  is  decidedly  pious,  and 
strictly  evangelical  in  his  sentiments.  ...  It  is  a 
great  comfort  to  each  of  us  to  find  one  who  is  ever 
ready  to  converse  upon  those  subjects  which  relate  to 
the  extension  of  the  Redeemer's  kingdom.  It  is  most 
grateful  to  my  own  feelings,  but  I  am  even  more  re- 
joiced for  the  sake  of  Mr.  B.  Religious  society  has 
ever  been  to  him  a  source  of  much  real  gratification. 
You  know  very  well  the  love  he  has  ever  manifested 
for  social  intercourse.  When  in  America  amidst  our 
beloved  friends,  as  I  have  seen  him  enter  with  all  his 

*  North  American  Review.  • 

14 


210  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 

heart  into  conversation — have  seen  joy  beam  from  his 
eyes  when  engaged  in  this  delightful  employment — 1 
would  sigh,  and  say  to  myself,  dear  Mr.  B.  how  sad 
you  will  be  when  far  removed  from  those  whose  words 
now  so  often  cheer  your  heart.  What  will  you  do 
when  this  favorite  rill  of  pleasure  ceases  to  flow  ?  But 
God  is  infinitely  good,  he  is  far  better  to  us  than  our 
fears.  He  bestows  upon  us  every  blessing  essential 
to  our  happiness  and  usefulness.  It  is  not  the  want  of 
privileges  that  I  need  lament,  but  the  misimprovement 
of  them." 

In  another  letter,  she  expresses  her  mature  convic- 
tion that  the  missionary  life  if  entered  upon  with  right 
feelings  may  be  more  favorable  than  any  other  to  the 
promotion  of  spiritual  growth.  And  certain  it  is,  that 
trials,  and  even  persecution  often  develop  the  power 
of  Christian  principle,  and  the  strength  of  religious 
faith ;  while  ease  and  outward  prosperity  seem  to  lull 
the  souls  of  believers  into  an  unworthy  sloth  and  a 
sinful  conformity  with  the  world  around  them.  The 
soldier  of  Christ  must  maintain  a  warfare ;  and  when 
will  he  be  more  likely  to  be  constantly  awake  to  his 
duty,  than  when  surrounded  by  the  open  and  avowed 
enemies  of  his  Master  ? 

From  Chitpore  four  miles  above  Calcutta,  Mr.  Board- 
man  writes :  "  It  gives  me  much  pleasure  to  write  you 
from  the  shores  of  India.  Through  the  goodness  of 


LITE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON.  211 

God  we  arrived  at  Sand-Heads  on  the  23d  ult.,  after  a 
voyage  of  127  days.  We  were  slow  in  our  passage 
up  the  Hoogly,  and  did  not  arrive  in  Calcutta  until 
the  2d  inst.  We  had  a  very  agreeable  voyage, — reli- 
gious service  at  meals,  evening  prayers  in  the  cabin, 
and  when  the  weather  allowed,  public  worship  in  the 
steerage  on  Lord's  day  morning  .  .  .  allow  me  to  add 
that  we  entertain  a  hope  that  one  of  the  sailors  was 
converted  on  the  passage. 

"  The  report  of  our  being  at  Sand-Heads  reached 
Calcutta  several  days  before  we  did,  and  our  friends 
had  made  kind  preparations  to  receive  us.  Soon  after 
coming  in  sight  of  the  city,  we  had  the  pleasure  of 
welcoming  on  board  the  Asia,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hough. 
He  informed  us,  that  the  Burmese  war  was  renewed 
after  an  armistice  of  several  weeks,  and  that  no  well- 
authenticated  accounts  had  been  received  from  our 
dear  friends  Judson  and  Price  at  Ava.  It  is  generally 
supposed  that  they  are  imprisoned  with  other  foreign- 
ers, and  have  not  the  means  of  sending  round  to 
Bengal. 

At  noon,  Dec.  2d,  we  came  on  shore,  .  .  .  and  were 
received  very  kindly  by  the  English  Missionaries. 
We  found  Mrs.  Colman  waiting  with  a  carriage  to 
bring  us  out  to  this  place.  The  cottage  we  occupy 
was  formerly  the  residence  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Eustace 
Carey.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wade,  Mrs.  Colman,  Mrs.  Board 


212  LIFE   OF  SARAH   B.   JUDSON. 

man  and  myself,  compose  a  very  happy  American  fam- 
ily. .  .  .  But  we  long  to  be  laboring  in  Burmah.  We 
are  not  yet  discouraged  by  the  dark  cloud  that  hangs 
over  our  prospects  there.  We  still  hope  and  trust,  we 
Jlrmly  believe,  that  eventually  this  war  will  tend  to 
advance  the  cause  of  Christ  in  Burmah.  We  hope 
our  friends  at  home  will  not  be  discouraged,  but  will 
continue  to  pray  for  us." 

In  another  letter  he  says,  "  And  now,  my  dear  pa- 
rents, I  wish  you  could  make  a  visit  at  Chitpore.  You 
would  find  your  two  fond  children  sitting  together  very 
happily,  and  engaged  in  writing  letters  to  their  beloved 
American  friends.  Our  mansion,  to  be  sure,  is  but  a 
bamboo  cottage,  with  a  thatched  roof,  but  is  a  palace 
compared  with  most  of  the  native  huts  around  us. 
But  you  know  a  large  house  is  by  no  means  essential 
to  happiness.  Food  and  clothing  sufficient,  with  the 
presence  of  God,  are  all  that  is  absolutely  necessary. 
Could  a  man  have  in  addition,  one  confidential  friend, 
who  sympathized  iij  all  his  joys  and  sorrows,  and  with 
whom  he  could  enjoy  all  the  endearments  of  social 
life,  he  might  be  happy  indeed — and  such  a  friend, 
such  a  wife  I  have,  in  my  beloved  Sarah.  I  fear  I 
shall  never  be  able  to  discharge  the  obligations  I  feel 
toward  you  for  conferring  on  me  so  great  a  blessing." 

Mrs.  B.  also  writes  to  some  acquaintances,  "  Unite 
with  me,  my  respected  friends,  in  gratitude  to  God,  that 


LIFE  OF  SAEAH  B.   JUDSON.  213 

he  has  preserved  us  through  the  dangers  of  a  long 
voyage,  and  permitted  us  to  land  upon  a  heathen  shore. 
Oh  may  this  renewed  assurance  of  his  kind  care,  teach 
me  confidence  in  his  promises,  and  fill  me  with  ardent 
desires  to  be  constantly  employed  in  his  service. 

"Our  voyage  was  remarkably  pleasant,  our  suffering 
from  sea-sickness  was  much  lighter  than  we  had  anti- 
cipated; our  accommodations,  though  by  no  means 
handsome,  convenient  and  comfortable  as  we  could 
desire.  Our  table  was  well  furnished  with  the  neces- 
saries, and  many  of  the  luxuries  of  life.  Capt.  Sheed, 
and  the  other  gentlemen  on  board,  treated  us  with  the 
greatest  kindness,  and  appeared  solicitous  to  make  our 
situation  agreeable.  In  the  society  of  Mr.  Blaikie,  the 
supercargo,  we  took  much  delight.  He  is  a  gentle- 
man of  eminent  piety,  belonging  to  the  Presbyterian 
denomination.  We  had  evening  devotions  in  the 
cabin,  .  .  .  when  the  weather  allowed  we  had  divine 
service  between  decks  on  the  Sabbath.  A  precious 
privilege ! 

"  While  at  sea,  my  time  was  spent  in  a  very  agree- 
able, and  1  hope  not  unprofitable  manner.  .  .  .  The 
principal  books  I  read  besides  the  Bible,  were  the  life 
of  Parsons,  Lowth's  lectures  on  Hebrew  poetry,  part 
of  Fuller's  works,  and  of  Jones'  Church  History.  Sup- 
posing the  study  of  the  word  of  God  well  calculated 
to  prepare  my  mind  for  the  missionary  work,  I  directed 


214  LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON". 

my  chief  attention  to  that.  We  had  one  very  interesting 
exercise, — during  the  week  several  of  us  collected  as 
many  passages  of  scripture  as  we  were  able,  upon  a 
subject  previously  named ;  and  on  Sabbath  eve,  we 
compared  our  separate  lists,  and  conversed  freely  upon 
the  doctrine  or  duty  concerning  which  we  had  written. 
In  this  manner  we  discussed  many  of  the  most  impor- 
tant doctrines  and  duties  contained  in  Scripture. 

As  we  drew  near  Calcutta,  our  anxiety  respecting 
the  fate  of  our  dear  missionaries  at  Ava,  increased. 
We  trembled  when  we  thought  of  the  disturbances  in 
Burmah,  and  there  was  only  one  spot  where  we  could 
find  peace  and  serenity  of  mind.  That  sweet  spot 
was  the  throne  of  grace.  Thither  we  would  often 
repair  and  lose  all  anxiety  and  fear  respecting  our  dear 
friends,  our  own  future  prospects,  and  the  Missionary 
cause  in  Burmah.  It  was  sweet  to  commit  all  into 
the  hands  of  God.  If  not  deceived,  we  felt  the  im- 
portance of  constantly  pleading  for  a  suitable  frame  of 
mind,  to  receive  whatever  intelligence  was  for  us; 
and  for  a  disposition  to  engage  in  the  service  of  God, 
at  any  time,  and  in  any  place  he  might  direct.  We 
considered  it  our  duty  to  supplicate  for  grace  to  sup- 
Dort  us  in  the  hour  of  trial,  and  for  direction  in  time 
of  perplexity,  rather  than  to  employ  our  minds  in  an- 
ticipating the  nature  of  future  difficulties,  and  in  fancy- 


LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  215 

ing  how  we  should  conduct  in  an  imagined  perplexity. 
This  is  still  our  opinion." 

Then  follows  an  account  of  their  arrival,  which  we 
have  already  given  in  Mr.  Boardman's  letter,  and  she 
adds  :  "  Imagine,  dear  Mrs.  B.  our  joy  at  meeting  those 
with  whom  we  hope  to  be  employed  in  labors  of  love 
among  the  poor  Burmans.  I  shall  not  attempt  to  de- 
scribe the  emotions  of  my  heart  when  I  entered  the 
little  bamboo  cottage  we  now  occupy.  Were  I 
skilled  in  perspective  drawing,  I  would  send  you  a 
picture  of  the  charming  landscape  seen  from  our  ve- 
randah. In  a  little  hut  near  us  reside  two  Christian 
converts  from  heathenism.  Oh,  how  your  bosom  would 
glow  with  grateful  rapture  to  hear  their  songs  of 
praise,  and  listen  to  their  fervent  prayers.  We  prefer 
living  in  this  retired  spot  with  dear  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Wade  and  Mrs.  Colman,  to  a  situation  in  Calcutta;  we 
can  pursue  our  studies  with  less  interruption,  and  also 
have  the  advantage  of  Mr.  Wade's  assistance. 

The  war  in  Burmah  still  continues,  and  there  is  at 
present  very  little  prospect  of  our  going  to  Rangoon 
soon.  We  still  look  to  Burmah  as  our  earthly  home,  and 
daily  pray  that  we  may  be  permitted  ere  long  to  enter 
that  field  of  labor.  We  rejoice  that  we  can  commence 
the  study  of  the  language  here.  We  have  not  for  an  in- 
stant regretted  that  we  embarked  in  the  undertaking.'' 

In  another  letter  of  a  later  date  she  writes  from  Cal 


216  LIFE  OF  SABAH  B.  JUDSON. 

cutta :  "  In  compliance  with  the  advice  of  our  friends, 
we  are  now  residing  in  a  pleasant  little  house  in  Cal- 
cutta. I  regretted  exceedingly  to  leave  the  peaceful, 
retired  shades  of  Chitpore  for  the  noise  and  commotion 
of  a  city,  but  duty  appeared  to  require  it" — (the 
climate  at  Chitpore  is  insalubrious  in  the  hot  months) 
"and  we  all  cheerfully  submitted.  I  feel,  my  dear 
friend,  that  we  are  wanderers.  I  can  look  to  no  place 
as  my  earthly  home,  but  Burmah.  .  .  .  We  have  not 
yet  heard  from  the  brethren  at  Ava.  Oh  that  our 
Father  in  Heaven  may  prepare  our  hearts  for  whatever 
intelligence  we  may  receive. 

"  On  Monday  last,  I  attended  the  examination  of 
Mrs.  Colman's  schools.  Imagine  my  feelings  at  seeing 
ninety-two  little  Bengallee  girls,  (whose  mothers  are 
kept  in  the  most  degraded  ignorance  and  superstition,) 
taught  to  read  the  Scriptures.  .  .  .  This  was  only  one 
division  of  the  schools.  The  whole  number  belonging 
to  this  Society  is  nearly  four  hundred.  There  are  also 
many  other  interesting  schools  in  Calcutta. 

"  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wade  with  Mr.  B.  and  myself  still 
compose  our  family ;  we  are  very  happy  in  each  other, 
are  blessed  with  excellent  health,  enjoy  facilities  for 
learning  the  language,  and  in  short,  possess  all  we 
could  desire.  We  feel  our  want  of  ardent  piety.  .  .  . 
Pray  for  us,  for  we  are  weak  and  sinful." 

A  letter  to  one  of  her  own  family  of  about  the  same 


LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  217 

date,  shows  that  her  zeal  for  the  conversion  of  the 
heathen,  did  not  at  all  weaken  her  desire  that  her  own 
kindred  might  be  true  followers  of  Jesus.  After  men- 
tioning that  a  Burman  teacher  had  been  procured  for 
them,  &c.,  she  says,  "  I  often  imagine  myself  in  the 
midst  of  that  dear  family,  where  the  happy  hours  of 
childhood  flew  away.  Sometimes  I  fancy  myself  enter- 
ing the  room  in  the  morning,  and  seeing  you.  all  kneel- 
ing around  the  family  altar.  My  brother,  have  you  a 
heart  to  pray  to  God  ?  Have  you  repented  and  turned 
to  him  ?  Or  are  you  all  careless  and  indifferent  re- 
specting your  precious  soul  ?  No,  I  cannot  believe 
this  is  the  case.  Indulged  as  you  are  with  hearing  the 
gospel  and  other  means  of  grace,  you  cannot  be  in- 
different. The  time  is  coming  when  the  religion  of 
Jesus  will  be  indispensable  to  your  peace  of  mind. 
You  must  pass  through  the  valley  of  death.  How  can 
you  endure  that  gloom  without  the  light  of  God's 
countenance  ?  you  must  stand  before  a  righteous  God 
at  the  judgment  day.  What  will  be  the  state  of  youi 
soul  if  Jesus  is  not  your  friend  ?  Think  of  this" 

A  letter  from  Mrs.  Wade  written  in  the  spring  fol 
lowing,  speaks  with  enthusiasm  of  the  pleasure  they 
have  enjoyed  in  the  society  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  B.,  and, 
like  theirs,  breathes  ardent  wishes  to  be  able  to  go  to 
Burmah.     These  wishes  were  soon  to  be  realized.     A 

.etter  from  Mr.  Boardman  dated  Calcutta,  April  12th, 

J 


218  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDS03ST. 

1826,  commences :  "My  dear  Brother, — The  joyful  news 
of  peace  with  Ava,  and  of  the  safety  of  our  friends 
Dr.  and  Mrs.  Judson,  and  Dr.  Price,  you  will  doubt- 
less receive  from  other  sources.  We  can  only  say 
that  the  preservation  of  our  friends  both  at  Rangoon 
and  at  Ava,  seems  to  us  one  of  the  most  striking  and 
gracious  displays  of  God's  special  care  of  his  people 
and  his  cause,  which  has  been  experienced  in  modern 
times. 

"  Brother  Wade  and  myself,  with  our  beloved  com- 
panions, expect  to  leave  Calcutta  in  six  or  eight  weeks, 
to  join  brother  Judson.  As  Rangoon  is  not  retained 
by  the  British,  we  do  not  think  it  best  to  recommence 
the  work  there,  but  rather  to  settle  in  some  of  the 
towns  which  are  by  treaty  ceded  to  the  British.  .  .  . 
The  members  of  the  church  in  Rangoon  are  collecting 
and  will  probably  go  with  us.  We  need  divine 
direction. 

"  We  have  great  reason  to  be  thankful  for  the  health 
ive  enjoy.  We  long  to  proceed  to  Burmah  and  en- 
gage in  the  delightful  work  before  us.  May  God's 
strength  be  made  perfect  in  our  weakness." 

But  his  cherished  enterprise  was  still  longer  delayed. 
By  the  solicitation  of  the  English  missionaries,  and  the 
appointment  of  the  American  Board,  he  was  induced 
to  remain  in  Calcutta  a  while,  and  preach  in  Circular 
Road  Chapel,  recently  vacated  by  the  death  of  Mr 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  219 

Lawson.  Mr.  Wade  and  his  wife  reached  Rangoon 
on  the  9th  of  November,  and  found  there  the  desolate 
and  heart-stricken  Mr.  Judson,  and  his  feeble  babe,  to 
whom  Mrs.  Wade  was  able  for  a  brief  period  to  supply 
the  place  of  a  mother. 

The  place  fixed  upon  as  the  seat  of  government  in 
the  newly  acquired  British  territory  in  Burmah,  was 
Amherst,  on  the  Martaban  river,  about  75  miles  east- 
ward of  Rangoon.  This  place  had  been  laid  out  by 
British  engineers  under  Mr.  Judson's  direction,  and  in 
an  incredibly  short  time,  became  a  city  numbering  its 
thousands  of  houses.  In  southern  India,  houses  are 
built  almost  in  a  day,  and  the  population  fluctuates 
from  place  to  place  with  a  facility  surprising  to  Eu- 
ropeans. '  It  is  only  necessary  to  make  a  clearing  in 
the  jungle,  and  erect  barracks  for  a  few  soldiers,  and 
— as  water  rushes  at  once  into  hollows  scooped  in  the 
damp  sea-sand — so  do  the  natives  of  India  swarm  into 
the  clearing,  and  create  a  city.'  To  this  new  city  of 
Amherst  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Boardman  came  in  the  spring 
of  1827,  and  joined  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wade  and  Mr.  Jud- 
son. It  was  bitterly  painful  to  them  to  learn  that  the 
wife  of  the  latter,  that  noble  and  beloved  woman 
whose  life  had  been  preserved  as  if  by  miracle  in  a 
thousand  dangers,  and  from  whose  society  and  inter- 
course  they  had  hoped  and  expected  the  greatest 
pleasure  and  profit,  was  the  tenant  of  a  lowly  grave 


220  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 

beneath  the  hopia-tree ;  and  even  more  immediately 
distressing  to  find  that  her  heart-broken  husband  was 
just  about  to  consign  to  the  same  dreary  bed  the  only 
relic  remaining  to  him  of  his  once  lovely  family,  '  the 
sweet  little  Maria.'  One  of  Mr.  Boardman's  first 
labors  in  Burmah  was  to  make  a  coffin  for  the  child 
with  his  own  hands !  and  to  assist  in  its  burial.  Poor 
babe !  '  so  closed  its  brief,  eventful  history.'  An  inno- 
cent sharer  in  the  terrible  sufferings  of  its  parents,  in 
the  midst  of  which  indeed  it  came  into  the  world ;  like 
its  mother,  it  had  survived  through  countless  threaten- 
ing deaths,  and  reached  what  seemed  a  haven  of 
security,  only  to  wring  its  father's  heart  with  an  in- 
tenser  pang,  by  its  unexpected  and  untimely  death. 
Truly  the  ways  of  God  '  are  past  finding  out,'  and 
'  his  judgments  are  a  great  deep!' 

From  a  short  poem  full  of  sympathy  and  pious  sen- 
timent which  was  written  by  Mrs.  Boardman  on  this 
occasion,  we  select  some  passages. 


"  Ah  this  is  death,  my  innocent  1  'tis  he 
Whose  chilling  hand  has  touched  thy  tender  frame. 
****** 

Thou  heed'st  us  not ;  not  e'en  the  bursting  sob 
Of  thy  dear  father,  now  can  pierce  thine  ear. 
****** 

Thy  mother's  tale  replete  with  varied  scenes, 
Exceeds  my  powers  to  tell ;  but  other  harps 
And  other  voices,  sweeter  far  than  mine, 


LIFE    OF  SAKAH  B.   JUDSON.  221 

Shall  sing  her  matchless  worth,  her  deeds  of  love, 
Her  zeal,  her  toil,  her  sufferings  and  her  death. 

But  all  is  over  now.     She  sweetly  sleeps 
In  yonder  new-made  grave ;  and  thou,  sweet  babe, 
Shalt  soon  be  pillowed  on  her  quiet  breast. 
Yes,  ere  to-morrow's  sun  shall  gild  the  west, 
Thy  father  shall  have  said  a  long  auieu 
To  the  last  lingering  hope  of  earthly  joy ; 
For  thou,  Maria,  wilt  have  found  thy  rest. 
Thy  flesh  shall  rest  in  hope,  till  that  great  day 
When  He  who  once  endured  far  greater  woes 
Than  mortal  man  can  know ;  who  when  on  earth 
Received  such  little  children  in  his  arms, 
Graciously  blessing  them,  shall  come  again  ; 
Then  like  the  glorious  body  of  thy  Lord 
Who  wakes  thy  dust,  this  fragile  frame  shall  be. 
Then  shalt  thou  mount  with  him  on  angels'  winga, 
Be  freed  from  sorrow,  sickness,  sin  and  death, 
And  in  his  presence  find  eternal  blisa* 


CHAPTER  V. 

STATIONED     AT     MAULMAIN. ATTACK    OF     BANDITTI. — MISSIONARI     OPERA- 

TIONS. DANGER    FROM   FIRE. 

ON  consultation  it  was  determined  that  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Wade  should  remain  in  Amherst,  and  that  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Boardman  should  proceed  to  Maulmain,  a 
town  25  miles  up  the  river,  which  had  sprung  into 
being  in  the  same  manner  as  Amherst,  and  was  nearly 
as  populous ;  and  that  Mr.  Judson  should  divide  his 
time  between  the  two  stations. 

In  pursuance  of  this  plan  Mr.  Boardman  removed 
his  family,  which  had  been  increased  by  the  addition 
of  a  lovely  daughter,  now  about  five  months  old,  to  the 
new  city  of  Maulmain.  On  the  evening  of  May  28th 
Mr.  Boardman  makes  this  entry  in  his  journal.  "  After 
nearly  two  years  of  wanderings  without  any  certain 
dwelling-place,  we  have  to-day  become  inhabitants  of 
a  little  spot  of  earth,  and  have  entered  a  house  which 
we  call  our  earthly  home.  None  but  those  who  have 
been  in  similar  circumstances  can  conceive  the  satis- 
faction we  now  enjoy."  ..."  The  population  of  the 


LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  223 

town  is  supposed  to  be  20,000.     One  year  ago  it  was 
alia  thick  jungle,  without  an  inhabitant!" 

While  at  Amherst,  Mrs.  Boardman  had  experienced 
an  alarming  attack  of  a  disease  incident  to  the  climate, 
and  had  to  be  carried  to  the  boat  which  conveyed  hei 
to  her  new  home  on  a  litter.  On  her  arrival  there, 
although  she  shared  her  husband's  joy  that  at  length 
they  had  a  home  on  the  long  promised  land  of  Bur- 
mah,  still  her  woman's  nature,  enfeebled  by  suffering, 
could  not  but  have  trembled  at  the  idea  of  living  in  a 
lonely  spot,  (for  the  mission-house  was  nearly  a  mile 
from  the  barracks,)  with  the  neighboring  jungle  swarm- 
ing with  "  serpents  that  hiss,  and  beasts  of  prey  that 
howl."  In  addition  to  this  cause  of  alarm,  there  was 
opposite  them,  on  the  Burman  side  of  the  river,  the 
old  decayed  city  of  Martaban  ;  which  was  the  refuge 
of  a  horde  of  banditti,  who,  armed  with  knives  and 
swords,  would  often  sally  forth  in  bands  of  30  or  40, 
urge  their  light  and  noiseless  boats  across  the  river, 
satiate  themselves  with  plunder  and  murder  in  the 
British  town,  and  return  with  their  spoils  to  their  own 
territory,  where  they  were  secure  from  British  retalia 
tion.  The  English  general,  knowing  the  insecurity 
of  the  mission-house,  had  urged  Mr.  B.  to  remove 
with  his^  family  to  the  protection  of  the  fort ;  but  his 
object  was  to  benefit  the  Burmans,  and  to  do  that,  he 
must  live  among  them. 


224  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSOIi 

In  their  little  bamboo  hut,  therefore,  so  frail  that  it 
could  be  cut  open,  as  Mrs.  Boardman  says,  with  a  pair 
of  scissors,  they  prosecuted  their  study  of  the  language 
under  a  native  teacher,  and  even  ventured  to  talk  a 
little  with  the  half-wild  natives  around  them,  and  for 
a  few  weeks  were  unmolested.  Their  courage  and 
confidence  had  revived,  and  with  Mrs.  B.,  restored 
health  brought  happiness.  June  20th  she  writes,  "  We 
are  in  excellent  health,  and  as  happy  as  it  is  possible 
for  human  beings  to  be  upon  earth.  It  is  our  earnest 
desire  to  live,  labor  and  die  among  this  people."  With 
such  feelings,  they  had  probably  retired  to  rest  on  the 
night  of  the  24th  of  June,  but  awaking  towards  morn- 
ing, and  perceiving  that  the  lamp  which  they  always 
kept  burning  through  the  night  was  extinguished,  they 
suspected  mischief;  and  on  relighting  it,  they  found 
to  their  consternation  that  their  house  had  been  entered 
by  the  lawless  plunderers  mentioned  above,  and  robbed 
of  nearly  every  valuable  article  it  contained ;  but  how 
was  their  horror  increased,  by  finding  two  large  cuts 
in  the  moscheto  curtains  about  their  bed,  through 
which  the  murderers  had  watched  their  slumbers, 
ready  to  stab  them  to  the  heart  had  they  offered  the 
slightest  resistance,  or  even  had  they  waked  to  con- 
sciousness. But  He  who  "  giveth  his  beloved  sleep," 
had  kindly  steeped  their  senses  in  slumbers  so  profound 
and  peaceful,  that  not  even  the  infant  stirred,  or  opened 


LIFE   OF  SAKAH  B.   JUDSON.  225 

its  eyes  which  would  have  instantly  been  sealed  again, 
— in  death. — Every  trunk,  box  and  bureau  was  rifled, 
looking-glass,  watch,  spoons,  keys,  were  gone ;  and 
yet  as  the  parents  gazed  at  those  rent  curtains,  and 
thought  how  the  death-angel  had  grazed  them  with 
his  wing  as  he  passed  by,  their  hearts  rose  in  gratitude 
and  praise  to  their  Heavenly  deliverer.  But  Mrs. 
Boardman's  feelings  are  best  told  in  her  own  expres- 
sive words.  She  says,  "After  the  first  amazement 
had  a  little  subsided,  I  raised  my  eyes  to  the  curtains 
surrounding  our  bed,  and  to  my  indescribable  emotion 
saw  two  large  holes  cut,  the  one  at  the  head,  and  the 
other  at  the  foot  of  the  place  where  my  dear  husband 
had  been  sleeping.  From  that  moment,  I  quite  forgot 
the  stolen  goods,  and  thought  only  of  the  treasure  that 
was  spared.  In  imagination  I  saw  the  assassins  with 
their  horrid  weapons  standing  by  our  bedside,  ready 
to'do  their  worst  had  we  been  permitted  to  wake.  Oh 
how  merciful  was  that  watchful  Providence  which 
prolonged  those  powerful  slumbers  of  that  night,  not 
allowing  even  the  infant  at  my  bosom  to  open  its  eyes 
at  so  critical  a  moment.  If  ever  gratitude  glowed  in 
my  bosom,  if  ever  the  world  appeared  to  me  worthles8 
as  vanity,  and  if  ever  I  wished  to  dedicate  myself,  my 
husband,  my  babe,  my  all,  to  our  great  Redeemer,  it 
was  at  that  time. 

"  To  this  day  not  a  trace  of  our  goods  has  been 
16  J* 


226  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

found ;  leaving  no  doubt  that  they  were  taken  imme- 
diately over  the  river  to  Martaban.  Since  our  loss, 
we  have  received  many  kind  presents  from  our  friends, 
so  that  we  now  find  ourselves  comfortable,  and  we  are 
contented  and  happy.  Yes,  my  beloved  friend,  I  think 
I  can  say,  that  notwithstanding  our  alarms,  never  did 
five  months  of  my'life  pass  as  pleasantly  as  the  last 
five  have  done.  The  thought  of  being  among  this 
people  whom  we  have  so  long  desired  to  see,  and  the 
hope  that  God  would  enable  me  to  do  some  little  good 
to  the  poor  heathen,  has  rejoiced  and  encouraged  my 
heart.  I  confess  that  once  or  twice  my  natural  timid- 
ity has  for  a  moment  gained  ascendancy  over  my 
better  feelings, — and  at  the  hour  of  midnight,  when 
the  howlings  of  wild  beasts  have  been  silenced  by  the 
report  of  a  musket  near  us,  we  would  say  to  each 
other,  perhaps  the  next  attack  will  be  made  upon  ust 
and  the  next  charge  may  be  aimed  at  our  bosoms. 
Then  I  have  been  almost  ready  to  exclaim,  Oh  for  one 
little,  little  room  of  such  materials,  that  we  could,  as 
far  as  human  means  go,  sleep  in  safety.  But  these 
fears  have  been  transitory,  and  we  have  generally 
been  enabled  to  place  our  confidence  in  the  Great 
Shepherd  of  Israel  who  never  slumbers  or  sleeps,  as- 
sured that  he  would  protect  us.  ...  And  we  have 
also  felt  a  sweet  composure  in  the  reflection  that  God 
has  marked  out  our  way ;  and  if  it  best  accord  with 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B    JUDSON. 

his  designs  that  we  fall  a  prey  to  these  blood-thirsty 
monsters,  all  will  be  right." 

The  English,  hearing  of  this  robbery,  stationed  a 
guard  at  the  Mission-house  of  two  sepoys  or  native 
soldiers.  As  one  of  these  was  sitting  in  the  verandah, 
a  wild  beast  from  the  jungle  sprang  furiously  upon 
him,  but  he  was  frightened  away  before  the  man  was 
much  injured.  Such  occurrences  however  were  rare, 
and  did  not  make  Mrs.  Boardman  desire,  all  things 
considered,  to  change  her  residence.  She  was  in  the 
place  of  her  choice,  the  country  of  her  adoption,  she 
nad  a  faithful  and  loving  husband,  and  a  lovely  and 
almost  idolized  babe ;  their  house,  though  small  and 
insecure,  was  beautifully  situated  with  everything  in 
the  natural  landscape«around  to  charm  her  cultivated 
eye  and  taste, — these  were  her  earthly  comforts.  Be- 
sides, even  the  insecurity  of  their  habitation  was  daily 
diminishing;  for  houses  were  constantly  springing 
up  around  them,  and  more  and  more  of  the  jungle  was 
cleared  and  cultivated.  But  what  gave  its  chief  zest 
to  her  life  and  that  of  her  spiritually  minded  husband, 
was  the  fact  that  they  found  here  a  field  of  usefulness 
in  the  only  work  that  seemed  to  them  worth  living  for. 
From  various  motives  the  natives  began  to  visit  them 
constantly,  and  in  increasing  numbers,  to  inquire  con- 
cerning the  new  religion.  Mr.  B.  held  a  religious 
service  on  the  Sabbath,  and  opened  a  school  for  boys ; 


228  LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

Mrs.  Boardman,  one  for  girls,  and  both  conversed  as 
well  as  they  were  able  with  their  numerous  visitors, 
and  employed  all  their  leisure  in  mastering  the  lan- 
guage. On  the  22d  of  July  they  commemorated  to- 
gether the  Saviour's  dying  love,  in  the  sacrament  of 
the  Lord's  supper, — a  solitary  pair — yet  not  so,  for  the 
Master  of  the  feast  was  there  to  bless  the  "  two"  who 
thus  "  gathered  together  in  his  name." 

The  population  at  Maulmain  was  now  increasing, 
and  that  at  Amherst  diminishing  so  rapidly,  that  Mr. 
Judson  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wade  thought  best  to  re- 
move from  the  latter  station  to  the  former,  and  arrived 
at  Maulmain  in  October.  Two  houses  of  public 
worship  were  erected  during  the  year,  where  Messrs. 
Judson  and  Wade  were  daily  employed  in  proclaiming 
religious  truth,  and  such  was  their  success,  that  within 
a  few  months  they  admitted  to  the  church  several 
native  members.  As  many  native  converts  with  their 
families  had  removed  with  the  Missionaries  from  Am- 
herst to  Maulmain,  Mrs.  Wade  and  Mrs.  Boardman 
united  their  schools  into  one,  which  was  attended  with 
the  most  gratifying  success.  Moung  Shvvaba  and 
Moung  Ing,  who  have  often  been  mentioned  in  the 
foimer  memoir,  read  the  Scriptures  and  other  religious 
books  to  all  who  would  hear,  at  a  sort  of  reqding 
zayat,  built  for  the  purpose. 

In  March,  1828,  our  friends  were  delivered  from  a 


LIFE  OF  SAEAH  B.  JUDSON".  229 

danger  not  unknown  in  our  own  country.  One  even- 
ing, they  were  startled  by  a  roaring  like  that  of  flame, 
and  on  going  to  the  door,  discovered  the  whole  jungle 
to  the  eastward  of  them  enveloped  in  sheets  of  flame, 
which  was  rapidly  approaching  their  frail  cottage. 
Seeing  no  hope  that  their  house  could  escape,  they 
rapidly  collected  a  few  valuables,  and  with  their  infant 
prepared  to  flee  towards  the  river,  though  in  much 
terror  lest  their  path  should  be  beset  by  leopards, 
tigers,  and  other  animals,  driven  from  their  haunts  by 
the  fire.  But  when  within  a  few  feet  of  the  houses, 
the  flames  were  arrested  by  a  sudden  change  of  the 
wind,  and  the  dwellings  were  unhurt.  "Thus  again 
are  we  preserved,"  says  Mr.  B.  "  when  no  humaff  arm 
could  have  saved  us !"  Truly, 

"  The  hosts  of  God  encamp  around 
The  dwellings  of  the  just" 

Truly,  "  the  J^ord  knoweth  how  to  deliver  the  godly." 


CHAPTER  VI. 

REMOVAL    TO   TAVOT. IDOLATRY   OF   THE    PEOPLE. LETTER    FROM  MRS.  B 

—BAPTISM  OF  A  KAREN  DISCIPLE. SOME   ACCOUNT   OF  THE   KARENS. 

THE  permanent  collection  of  so  many  Missionaries 
at  a  single  station  was  not  approved  by  the  Board,  nor 
was  it  deemed  desirable  by  the  Missionaries  them- 
selves. In  accordance,  therefore,  with  instructions 
received  from  America,  it  was  decided  that  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Boardman  should  remove  to  Tavoy.  This  city 
is  situated  on  the  river  Tavoy,  150  miles  south  of 
Maulmain,  and  had  at  that  time  a  population  of  6000 
Burmans  and  3000  foreigners. 

The  city  was  the  stronghold  of  the  religion  of  Gau- 
dama,  and  the  residence  of  two  hundred  priests. 

On  every  eligible  point  stood  an  emblem  or  image 
of  idolatry.  Tall  pagodas  crowned  every  eminence, 
and  humbler  ones  clustered  around  them,  while  thickly 
set  groves  of  banyan  and  other  sacred  trees,  sheltered 
shrines  and  images  of  Gaudama,  and  on  festival  days 
were  crowded  with  devotees,  kneeling  in  the  gloomy 
pathways,  or  festooning  the  sacred  trees  with  the 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON.  231 

rarest  flowers.  The  tops  of  some  of  the  thousand 
pagodas  in  the  city,  are  hung  with  innumerable  little 
bells,  which,  moved  by  the  wind,  chime  sweetly  their 
calls  to  devotion,  reminding  one  of  a  passage  in 
Moore's  description  of  an  eastern  city : 

"  But  hark !  the  vesper  call  to  prayer, 

— As  slow  the  orb  of  daylight  sets, — 
Is  rising  sweetly  on  the  air 

From  Syria's  thousand  minarets." 

This  change  in  their  place  of  abode  could  not  fail  to 
be  a  severe  trial  to  our  missionaries.  To  Maulmain 
they  were  bound  by  many  ties, — the  sweet  companion- 
ship of  fellow-Christians,  and  the  love  which  attaches 
the  missionary  to  those  spiritual  children  which  the 
Lord  has  given  him; — moreover  it  was  their  first 
home,  sanctified  by  signal  deliverances  and  countless 
mercies ; — nevertheless,  like  Abraham  who  at  the  call 
of  Jehovah,  "  went  out,  not  knowing  whither  he  went," 
— these  "  followers  of  them  who  through  faith  inherit 
the  promises,"  obeyed  the  voice  of  duty,  and  feeling 
themselves  "  strangers  and  pilgrims  on  the  earth," 
went  without  murmuring  to  their  new  sphere  of  labor. 
"One  thing  is  certain,"  says  Mr.  B.  in  a  subsequent 
letter  "  we  were  brought  here  by  the  guidance  of 
Providence.  It  was  no  favorite  scheme  of  ours." 

On  arriving  at  Tavoy,  they  were  kindly  received 
by  Mr.  Burney  the  English  resident,  and  within  ten 


232  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JTJDSON. 

days  from  their  arrival,  had  procured  a  house,  and 
begun  to  teach  inquirers  in  the  way  of  salvation. 
Much  as  there  was  to  discourage  them  in  this  city  of 
pagodas,  "  the  missionary  looked  out  on  the  strange 
magnificence  of  shrines  and  temples  that  lay  around 
him, — upon  the  monuments  that  had  perpetuated  for 
many  ages  this  idolatrous  worship, — upon  the  priests 
who  taught  it,  and  the  countless  devotees  who  prac- 
tised it ;  and  as  he  prepared  to  strike  the  first  blow  at 
the  hoary  superstition  which  they  all  enshrined,  he  felt 
to  the  full  the  sublimity  and  greatness  of  the  under- 
taking. He  stood  alone,  the  herald  of  truth,  before 
this  mighty  array  of  ancient  error ;  but  he  trusted 
implicitly  in  the  promises  of  revelation,  and  felt  assured 
that  the  day  was  at  hand  when  all  this  empty  adora- 
tion of  Gaudama  would  give  place  to  the  worship  of 
the  living  God!"* 

A  new  difficulty  occurred  here,  which  however  was 
speedily  surmounted  by  the  diligence  and  zeal  of  the 
missionaries  ;  the  dialect  of  Tavoy  was  so  different 
from  pure  Burmese  as  to  be  almost  unintelligible  to 
those  who  knew  only  the  latter ,  but  both,  fortunately, 
employed  the  same  written  characters.  Mrs.  Bpard- 
man's  employments  at  this  time  are  enumerated  in 
their  letters.  After  unwearied  toil,  and  repeated  re- 
pulses and  discouragements,  she  succeeded  in  establish 

*  Gammell. 


LIFE   OF  SAHAH  B.  JUDSON.  238 

ing  a  girls'  school,  in  which  she  employed  a  woman  who 
could  read,  as  an  assistant.  She  describes  a  visit  to 
her  school  thus  :  "  I  am  just  returned  from  one  of  the 
day-schools.  The  sun  had  not  risen  when  I  arrived, 
but  the  little  girls  were  in  the  house  ready  for  instruc- 
tion. My  walk  to  this  school  is  through  a  retired 
road,  shaded  on  one  side  by  the  old  wall  of  the  city, 
which  is  overgrown  with  wild  creepers  and  pole- 
flowers,  and'on  the  other  by  large  fruit-trees.  While 
going  and  returning,  I  find  it  sweet  and  profitable  to 
think  on  the  shortness  of  time,  the  vanity  of  this  delu- 
sive world, — and  oh  I  have  had  some  precious  views 
of  that  world  where  the  weary  are  at  rest ;  and  where 
sin,  that  enemy  of  God,  and  now  constant  disturber  of 
my  peace,  will  no  more  afflict  me." 

In  another  letter  of  a  later  date,  she  describes  her- 
self as  sitting  at  her  table  in  a  back  porch,  from  which 
she  can  see  her  "  dear  husband,"  in  a  room  before  her, 
teaching  nine  little  heathen  boys  ;  while  in  one  of  the 
long  verandahs  on  each  side  of  the  house,  the  native 
Christians  are  holding  a  prayer-meeting  in  their  own 
language,  and  in  the  other,  a  Chinese  convert  is  urg- 
ing three  or  four  of  his  deluded  countrymen  to  turn 
from  their  stupid  superstitions  to  the  service  of 
Jehovah. 

She  mentions  also  the  baptism  of  a  Karen,  (the 
name  of  a  tribe  in  Burmah,)  "  a  poor  man,  who  had 


234:  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 

been  converted  while  in  the  service  of  Mr.  Judson ;" 
little  knowing  the  importance  of  the  fact  thus  re- 
corded. This  "  poor  man,"  in  fact  formerly  a  slave, 
and  whom  the  writer  of  an  article  in  a  former  number 
of  the  Quarterly  Review  would  have  sneered  at  as 
he  did  at  the  "  fisherman,"  the  wonderful  trophy  of 
iivtne  grace,  mentioned  in  Mrs.  Judson's  history  of 
the  mission,  was  the  famous  Ko-thay-byu,  whose  life 
has  been  written  by  Mr.  Mason,  and  who,  by  his  zeal 
and  success  in  missionary  labor,  obtained  the  name  of 
"  the  Karen  Apostle."  ,  He  was  the  first  to  introduce 
to  the  notice  of  the  missionaries,  the  tribe  to  which  he 
belonged,  a  people  so  remarkable,  that  we  are  unwil- 
ling, even  in  our  brief  sketch,  to  pass  them  over  with- 
out notice. 

The  Karens,  according  to  a  writer  in  the  North 
American  Review,  are  a  savage  and  ignorant  race  of 
men,  (their  name  in  the  Burman  language  signifying 
wild  men,)  scattered  in  vast  numbers  over  the  wilds 
of  Farther  India,  and  inhabiting  almost  inaccessible 
tracts,  among  the  mountains  and  forests.  Their  pecu- 
liar physiognomy,  strange  traditions,  and  some  of  their 
customs  have  led  to  the  opinion  that  they  were  of 
Hebrew  origin,  though  some  think  they  are  of  the 
Caucasian  variety  of  the  human  species.  They  differ 
much  from  the  Burmans,  by  whom  they  are  heavily 
taxed  and  grievously  oppressed,  and  in  every  way 


LIFE  OF  SABAH  B.  JUDSON.  235 

treated  as  inferiors.*  "  Their  traditions  have  been 
preserved,  like  the  poems  of  Ossian,  by  fond  memories 
delighting  to  revive  the  recollections  of  former  glory 
and  prosperity  ;  repeated  by  grandsires  at  even-tide  to 
their  listening  descendants,  and  sung  by  mourners 
over  the  graves  of  their  elders. 

"  They  believe  in  a  God  who  is  denominated  Yu- 
wah,"  a  name  certainly  similar  to  the  Hebrew  Jeho- 
vah. Some  of  their  traditional  songs  are  curious  and 
interesting.  For  instance, 

"  God  created  us  in  ancient  time, 
And  has  a  perfect  knowledge  of  all  things ; 
When  men  call  his  name,  he  hears  /" 

And  again 

"  The  sons  of  heaven  are  holy, 
They  sit  by  the  seat  of  God, 
The  sons  of  heaven  are  righteous, 
They  dwell  together  with  God ; 
They  lean  against  his  silver  seat." 

The  following  stanza,  says  the  writer  above  referred 
to,  might  be  mistaken  for  the  production  of  David  or 
Isaiah. 

"  Satan  in  days  of  old  was  holy, 
But  he  transgressed  God's  law ; 
Satan  of  old  was  righteous, 
But  he  departed  from  the  law  of  God, 
And  God  drove  him  away." 

*  See  Gammell. 


236  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JTJDSON. 

They  say  that  God  formerly  loved  their  nation,  but 
on  account  of  their  wickedness  he  punished  it,  and 
made  them  the  degraded  creatures  they  now  are.  But 
they  say  "  God  will  again  have  mercy  upon  us,  God 
will  save  us  again."  One  verse  of  one  of  their  songs  is, 

"  When  the  Karen  king  arrives 
Everything  -will  be  happy ; 
When  Karens  have  a  king 
Wild  beasts  will  lose  their  savageness." 

Professor  Gammell  says,  in  substance,  that  they  pre- 
sent the  extraordinary  phenomenon  of  a  people  with- 
out any  form  of  religion  or  established  priesthood, 
yet  believing  in  God,  and  in  future  retribution,  and 
cherishing  and  transmitting  from  age  to  age  a  set  of 
traditions  of  unusual  purity,  and  containing  bright  pre- 
dictions of  future  prosperity  and  glory. 

When  Ko-thay-byu,  the  poor  convert  already  men- 
tioned, was  baptized,  he  naturally  carried  to  his  coun- 
trymen "  the  thrilling  news,  that  a  teacher  from  a  far 
distant  land  had  come  to  preach  a  new  religion,  a  re- 
ligion answering  to  the  religion  of  their  fathers.' 
Others  came  to  listen,  and  to  carry  back  to  their  se 
eluded  hamlets  the  joyful  tidings  ;  until  "  from  distant 
hills  and  remote  valleys  and  forests,  Karen  inquirers 
flocked  to  Tavoy,  and  thronged  around  the  teacher;" 
listening  to  the  new  doctrines  with  childlike  simplicity 
and  uncommon  sensibility.  Among  other  singu'ar 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON.  237 

stories  that  they  related  to  the  wondering  "  teacher," 
one  was,  that  more  than  ten  years  before,  a  book  in  a 
strange  tongue  had  been  left  among  them  by  a 
foreigner,  who  commanded  them  to  worship  it ;  which 
command  they  had  faithfully  obeyed.  Mr.  Boardman 
felt  the  strongest  curiosity  to  see  this  deified  book,  but 
owing  to  the  prevalence  of  the  rains,  he  was  not 
gratified  till  the  following  September.  He  was  then 
waited  on  by  a  large  deputation  of  Karens,  bringing 
with  them  in  a  covered  basket,  the  mysterious  volume, 
wrapped  in  fold  after  fold  of  muslin ;  on  removing 
which  it  proved  to  be  an  Oxford  edition  of  the  Com- 
mon Prayer  Book  in  the  English  language  !  With  the 
greatest  simplicity  they  asked  Mr.  B.  if  this  book  con- 
tained the  doctrines  of  the  new  religion,  and  if  so,  re- 
quested to  be  taught  its  contents.  Mr.  B.  assured 
them  that  the  book  was  good,  but  should  by  no  means 
be  made  an  object  of  worship  ;  and  accepting  it  from 
them,  he  gave  them  in  its  stead,  portions  of  the  Scrip- 
tures, translated  into  a  language  they  could  under- 
stand. They  entreated  him  to  visit  them  in  their  own 
villages,  assuring  him  of  the  readiness  of  their  tribe  to 
welcome  him,  and  to  receive  the  gospel ;  and,  struck 
with  their  earnestness  and  candor,  he  promised  at 
some  future  time  to  yield  to  their  request. 

The  sorcerer  who  had  preserved  the  book,  and  pre- 
scribed to  the  simple  heathen  the  forms  of  its  worship, 


|r 

238  LIFE  OF  SAEAH  B.  JUDSON. 


threw  away  his  cudgel,  or  wand  of  office,  and  laid 
aside  his  fantastic  dress  ;  and  Mr.  JBoardman  sent  the 
mysterious  volume  to  America,  to  be  deposited  in  the 
museum  of  the  Baptist  Missionary  Society. 

Who  the  "  foreigner"  may  have  been,  that  thus  sup- 
plied an  ignorant  people  with  a  Divinity,  or  object  of 
worship ;  or  what  were  his  motives  in  so  doing,  will 
probably  always  remain  a  mystery. 

If  we  have  devoted  considerable  space  to  this  notice 
of  the  Karens,  their  subsequent  history  will  prove  that 
they  are  not  unworthy  of  such  notice. 


CHAPTER  YH. 

LETTER  FROM    MRS.  B. MR.  B.'S  VISIT   TO  THE   KARENS  IN  THRn  VILLAGES. 

DEFECTION    OF    DISCIPLES. ITS   EFFECT   ON   MR.   AMD   MRS.   B. 

EXTRACT  of  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Boardman  to  a  "  be- 
loved sister,"  dated  Tavoy,  1828. — "  Nothing  especial 
has  occurred  since  I  last  wrote.  We  are  still  in  good 
nealth,  and  happy  in  our  work.  We  are  now  destitute 
of  all  religious  society,  and  feel  that  our  responsibili- 
ties are  great  indeed.  .  .  .  We  have  to  suffer  many 
little  inconveniences  in  this  country,  but  have  no  dis- 
position to  complain.  We  rejoice  in  the  kind  provi- 
dence that  has  directed  our  steps,  and  would  not  ex- 
change our  condition.  Our  desire  is  to  labor  among 
the  poor  heathen  until  called  to  our  eternal  home." 
She  then,  with  characteristic  earnestness  and  affection, 
inquires  after  her  sister's  spiritual  state.  "  Oh  if  you  are 
a  child  of  God,  how  great  is  your  happiness  ;  you  can 
think  of  death  without  fear.  The  troubles  and  griefs 
of  life  do  not  distress  you  as  they  do  the  poor  world 
ling,  who  looks  only  to  the  enjoyments  of  this  life  foi 
comfort.  If  a  Christian,  you  have  sweet  foretastes  of 
that  joy  which  is  unspeakable  and  inconceivable  by 


240  LIFE    OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

mortals.  Though  a  sinner  still,  you  feel  that  your 
sins  are  pardoned,  and  that  through  the  merits  of  a 
crucified  Saviour  you  will  at  last  be  accepted  of  God. 
I  would  fondly  hope,  my  dear  sister,  that  this  is  your 
happy  case.  But  if  not,  oh  who  can  tell  your  dreadful 
danger  ?  Who  can  paint  the  alarming  prospect  be- 
fore you  ?  Every  moment  exposed  to  death,  and  yet 
without  hope.  Subject  to  disappointments  and  afflic- 
tions in  this  world,  and  yet  no  refuge  for  your  an- 
guished spirit.  The  weight  of  sins  daily  accumulating, 
and  every  day  less  prospect  of  obtaining  pardon.  The 
awful  prospect  of  eternal  banishment  from  all  that  is 
holy,  oh  my  sister,  reflect.  ...  If  you  have  not  yet 
turned  to  the  Saviour,  delay  no  longer.  ...  Oh  may 
you,  and  all  my  beloved  brothers  and  sisters,  be  early 
brought  to  a  knowledge  of  the  truth.  I  cannot  express 
the  anxiety  I  feel  for  every  one  of  you.  I  also  feel 
the  solicitude  of  a  tender  sister  for  your  temporal 
good.  Write  me  particulars  of  the  health  of  my  dear 
parents,  grand-parents,  and  each  of  my  brothers  and 
sisters.  Though  separated  from  you,  I  always  wish 
to  share  your  joys  and  sorrows. 

"Your  little  niece  is  in  charming  health.  She  sends 
many  kisses  to  you  all,  and  I  shall  teach  her  to  love 
you,  though  she  cannot  see  you." 

We  have  inserted  this  letter,  which  in  its  spirit  is  a 
specimen  of  all  her  letters,  not  only  for  its  intrinsic 


LIFE   OF  SAKAH  B.   JUDSON. 

excellence,  but  to  show  that  even  in  distant  Burmah, 
and  surrounded  by  cares  and  duties  which  would  have 
diminished  in  a  less  affectionate  breast  her  interest  in 
her  distant  relatives, 

"  Her  heart  untravelled  fondly  turned  to"  them, 
"  And  dragged  at  each  remove  a  lengthening  chain." 

While  laboring  for  the  conversion  of  pagans,  she  felt 
more  than  she  had  ever  felt  before,  the  awful  danger 
of  those  who  under  the  full  blaze  of  gospel  light,  choose 
to  walk  in  darkness ;  and  for  her  family,  her  dear 
brothers  and  sisters,  her  burden  was  almost  like  that 
of  the  apostle  who  was,  as  it  were,  willing  to  give  up 
his  own  title  to  the  heavenly  inheritance,  if  by  so 
doing  he  could  save  his  "kindred  according  to  the 
flesh."*  All  her  letters  which  we  have  been  privileged 
to  see,  bear  evidence  of  this. 

Tn  December  of  the  year  1828,  Mrs.  Boardman  was 
called  to  a  trial  which  of  all  others  was  most  fitted  to 
make  her  feel  that  every  earthly  dependence  is  at  best 
but  a  broken  reed,  and  that 

"  The  spider's  most  attenuated  thread 
Is  cord,  is  cable,  to  our  strongest  hold 
On  earthly  bibs ;  it  breaks  with  every  breeze." 

Her  almost  idolized  husband,  her  guide,  her  only  hu- 
man support,  protector,  and  companion,  was  attacked 

*  Romans  ix.  3. 

16  V 


242  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

by  that  insidious  and  incurable  malady  which  was 
destined  at  no  distant  day  to  close  his  career  of  use- 
fulness on  earth,  and  send  him  early  to  his  reward. 
A  copious  hemorrhage  from  the  lungs  warned  him 
that  his  time  for  earthly  labor  was  short,  and  seemed 
to  increase  his  desire  to  work  while  his  day  lasted. 
As  soon  as  his  strength  was  sufficiently  restored  after 
his  first  attack,  namely,  in  February  1829,  he  resolved 
to  fulfil  his  long-cherished  intention  to  visit  the  Karens 
in  their  native  villages.  He  took  with  him  two  Karens, 
two  of  his  scholars,  and  a  servant.  Females,  who  in 
this  country  of  order  and  security,  tremble  at  the  idea 
of  being  left  for  one  night  alone  in  their  strong  and 
guarded  dwellings,  may  perhaps  conceive  the  feelings 
of  Mrs.  Boardman  on  being  thus  left  by  her  protector. 
— Her  own  health  scarce  re-established  after  a  four 
months'  illness, — her  mind  agitated  by  fears  for  her 
stricken  husband,  who  under  burning  suns,  and  amid 
unknown  wilds,  exposed  to  the  fury  of^the  sudden  thun- 
der-gust, and  the  wild  beast  of  the  jungles,  must  be 
absent  from  her,  perhaps,  two  or  three  dreary  weeks, 
in  which  time  not  one  "  cordial,  endearing  report" 
from  him,  would  reach  her ; — in  her  frail  hut,  and  with 
two  little  ones  dearer  to  her  than  life,  exposed  to  the 
same  dangers  as  herself, — what  could  support  her  in 
such  circumstances  but  her  faith  in  that  arm  whose 
strength  is  shown  to  be  "  perfect,  in  weakness  ?"  A 


LIFE   OF  SAEAH  B.   JUDSON.  243 

poor  Karen  woman,  seeing  her  distress,  tried  to  console 
her:  "Weep  not,  mama,"  she  said;  " the  teacher  has 
gone  on  an  errand  of  compassion  to  my  poor  perishing 
countrymen.  They  have  never  heard  of  the  true  God, 
and  the  love  of  his  Son  Jesus  Christ,  who  died  upon 
he  cross  to  save  sinners.  They  know  nothing  of  the 
true  religion,  mama ;  and  when  they  die  they  cannot 
go  to  the  golden  country  of  the  blessed.  God  will  take 
care  of  the  teacher;  do  not  weep,  mama."  Blessed 
faith  in  an  omnipresent  Heavenly  Father !  It  gives 
even  the  unlettered  Karen  disciple,  an  eloquence  in 
consolation,  to  which  worldly  philosophy  is  a  stranger. 

Mr.  Board  man's  journey,  though  perilous  from  the 
causes  above  mentioned,  and  tedious  from  being  per- 
formed on  foot,  was  highly  interesting  on  account  of 
the  eager  welcome,  and  abundant  hospitality  of  the 
simple-minded  Karen  villagers  whom  he  visited.  On 
entering  a  village,  he  and  his  little  caravan  were 
overwhelmed  with  presents  of  provisions  and  fruits ; 
and  the  inhabitants  would  exclaim,  while  their  coun- 
tenances beamed  with  delight,  "  Ah,  you  have  come  at 
last;  we  have  long  wanted  to  see  you!"  He  travelled 
more  than  one  hundred  miles,  often-  through  unfre 
quented  and  toilsome  paths  among  the  mountains,  and 
was  three  times  drenched  with  powerful  rains,  from 
which  he  had  no  sufficient  shelter ;  but  by  the  aid  of 
an  interpreter  he  preached  seventeen  sermons,  and  was 


2M  LIFE  OF  SAKAH  B.   JUDSON. 

cheered  by  finding  the  readiness  of  the  people  to  re- 
ceive his  doctrines  far  exceed  his  most  sanguine  expec- 
tations. On  his  return,  both  he  and  Mrs.  Boardman 
had  to  experience  an  affliction  extremely  trying  to  the 
heart  of  a  missionary;  the  defection  of  some  of  the 
Christian  converts.  Their  sensitive  spirits  led  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  B.  to  fear  that  their  own  unfaithfulness 
might  have  been  the  cause  of  the  fall  of  their  disciples. 
Mrs.  Boardman's  self-upbraidings  were  bitter;  her 
humiliation  deep  and  sincere.  "Our  hearts,"  she  says, 
"have  bled  with  anguish,  and  mine  has  sunk  lower 
than  the  grave,  for  I  have  felt  that  my  unworthiness 
has  been  the  cause  of  all  our  calamities." 

So  keen  were  her  self-rebukes  at  this  time,  that 
they  break  out  even  in  her  letters  to  her  friends.  In 
one  of  them  she  writes :  "  Some  of  these  poor  Bur- 
mans,  who  are  daily  carried  to  the  grave,  may  at  last 
reproach  me  and  say,  you  came,  it  is  true,  to  the  city 
where  we  dwelt,  to  tell  of  heaven  and  hell,  but  wasted 
much,  much  of  your  precious  time  in  indolence  while 
learning  our  language.  And  when  you  were  able  to 
speak,  why  were  you  not  incessantly  telling  us  of  this 
day  of  doom,  when  we  visited  you  ?  Why,  oh  why 
did  you  ever  speak  of  any  other  thing,  while  we  were 
ignorant  of  this  most  momentous  of  all  truths  ?  How 
could  you  think  on  anything  but  our  salvation  ?  .  .  . 
You.  told  us  you  knew  of  a  Being  that  heard  your 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.    JUDSON.  245 

lowest  whispers,  and  most  secret  sighs — why  then,  did 
vou  not,  day  and  night,  entreat  him  in  our  behalf?" 
Mr.  Boardman  in  his  journal  says,  "My  dear  wife 
became  at  this  time  so  deeply  impressed  with  divine 
things,  and  particularly  with  a  sense  of  her  own  sin- 
fulness,  that  she  had  no  rest  night  or  day.  We  both 
endeavored  to  return  to  the  Lord  from  whom  we  had 
strayed ;  but  our  path,  especially  that  of  Mrs.  B.  led 
hard  by  the  borders  of  despair.  .  .  .  We  confessed 
our  sins  to  the  Lord  and  to  one  another.  We  con- 
sidered  ourselves -worthy  to  be  trodden  under  foot  of 
men,  and  were  astonished  to  think  of  our  pride  and 
selfishness.  .  .  .  We  were  filled  with  the  most  distress- 
ing views  of  our  utter  sinfulness  in  the  sight  of  a  holy 
God." 

Thus  was  this  affliction,  though  "grievous,"  begin 
ning  to  work  out  in  her  heart  its  "peaceable  fruit  of 
righteousness,"  by  deepening  her  humility,  quickening 
her  zeal,  and  leading  her  to  a  more  thorough  consecra- 
tion of  herself  to  the  work  she  had  undertaken. 


CHAPTER   VIII. 

DEATH   OF   THEIR   FIRST-BORN. LETTERS    FROM    URS.    B. 

IN  the  spring  of  1829  Mr.  Boardman  and  his  family 
made  a  short  sea-voyage  for  the  benefit  of  their  health, 
Mrs.  Boardman  having  experienced  another  attack  of 
illness,  and  their  little  George  being  frail  and  puny.  In- 
deed none  of  the  family  seemed  to  have  been  healthy 
but  the  "plump,  rosy-cheeked"  first-born,  the  darling 
Sarah,  her  mother's  joy  and  pride,  and — as  her  Heav- 
enly Father  saw  —  her  idol  too!  Terrible  was  the 
stroke  that  shattered  that  lovely  idol ;  but  it  came — so 
faith  assured  her — from  a  father's  hand.  Sometime 
afterward  she  writes,  "  My  ever  dear  Sister,  I  think  I 
have  not  written  you  since  the  death  of  our  beloved 
Sarah,  which  is  nearly  eight  months  ago.  I  have 
never  delayed  writing  to  you  so  long  before.  For 
some  time  after  her  death,  little  George  was  apparently 
near  the  grave,  and  I  was  confined  to  my  bed  for  a 
number  of  weeks.  As  soon  as  my  health  was  a  little 
improved,  the  rebellion  at  Tavoy  took  place,  which 
threw  us  all  into  confusion,  and  this  lasted  until  I  was 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSOH.  247 

taken  ill  again  about  three  months  since.  From  this 
illness  I  am  but  just  recovering.  So  you  see,  my  be- 
loved sister,  my  outward  circumstances  have  been 
sufficient  to  prevent  my  writing.  Nor  is  this  all — for 
some  time  after  little  Sarah's  departure,  I  was  too 
much  distressed  to  write ;  I  felt  assured  that  God  had 
taken  her  away  from  us  in  love,  and  was  also  assured, 
that  she  is  a  happy  angel  in  heaven ;  but  oh  the 
thought  that  we  should  see  her  no  more  on  earth, 
filled  me  with  indescribable  sorrow.  By  degrees  my 
mind  became  calmer ;  not  that  I  forgot  her,  but  I  feel, 
my  dear  Harriet,  that  the  dearest  and  sweetest  pleas- 
ures of  this  life  are  empty  and  altogether  unsatisfy- 
ing. I  do  not  look  for  comfort  from  these  sources  as 

1  formerly  did.     We  have  a  fine,  healthy  boy,  but  I  do 
not  allow  myself  to  idolize  him  as  I  did  his  dear  de- 
parted sister.    In  her  dissolution,  we  saw  such  a  wreck 
of  what  was  most  lovely  and  beautiful,  that  it  seems 
as  if  we  should  be  kept  in  future  from  '  worshipping 
the  creature.'  " 

Particulars  respecting  the  child's  illness  and  death 
are  given  in  another  letter  of  nearly  the  same  date. 
"  Our  little  Sarah  left  us  July  8th  of  last  year — aged 

2  years   and  8  months.  .  .  .  She  was   a  singularly 
lovely  child.     Her  bright  blue  eyes,  yellow  hair,  and 
rosy  cheeks,  formed  a  striking  contrast  to  the  dark 
little  faces  around  her.  .  .  .  From  the  time  she  began 


248  LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

to  notice  anything,  we  were  the  objects  of  her  fondest 
love.  If  she  thought  she  had  incurred  our  displeasure, 
her  tender  heart  seemed  ready  to  burst ;  and  she  could 
not  rest  for  a  moment  until  she  had  said  she  was 
'  sorry,'  and  obtained  the  kiss  of  forgiveness.  She  had 
learned  to  obey  us  implicitly.  ...  If  either  of  us  were 
ill,  she  would  stroke  our  foreheads  with  her  little  soft 
hand,  and  kiss  us  so  affectionately!  Her  love  to  her 
little  brother  George  was  unlimited.  From  the  day 
of  his  birth  till  the  day  but  one  before  she  died,  he 
was  her  idol.  .  .  .  Three  days  before  she  died,  she 
was  lying  uneasily  in  a  large  swing  cradle,  and  George 
was  in  the  same  room  crying.  We  thought  it  might 
soothe  the  little  sufferer,  for  he  also  was  very  ill,  to  lay 
him  down  beside  Sarah.  The  proposal  delighted  her ; 
with  smiles  she  threw  open  her  little  arms,  and  for  the 
last  time  held  her  darling  brother  in  her  fond  embrace. 
So  great  was  her  gratification  at  this  privilege,  that 
she  seemed  to  forget  her  own  pains. 

"Little  Sarah  spoke  English  remarkably  well  for  so 
young  a  child,  and  Burmese  like  a  native ;  she  could 
also  say  some  things  in  the  Hindostanee  and  Karen, 
and,  what  seems  a  little  singular,  she  never  confounded 
two  languages,  but  always  spoke  pure  English  to  us, 
and  pure  Burmese  to  Burmans.  This  discrimination 
continued  as  long  as  she  had  the  powers  of  speech. 
She  had  learned  the  Lord's  prayer  and  several  little 


LIFE  OF  SABAH  B.   JUDSOtf.  249 

hymns.  Dr.  Judson's  lines  on  the  death  of  Mee 
Shawayee  she  knew  by  heart  in  Burmese,  and  used 
to  chant  them  for  half  an  hour  at  a  time.  .  .  .  These 
things  may  seem  very  trivial  to  you,  but  I  muse  upon 
them  by  the  hour  together  ;  and  it  is  only  when  I  call 
my  cooler  judgment  into  action,  that  I  can  make  my- 
self believe  they  are  uninteresting  to  any  person  on 
earth.  I  love  to  think  of  my  sweet  bud  of  immortality 
expanding  so  beautifully  in  my  own  presence  ;  and 
fancy  I  can  judge  in  some  small  degree  of  the  bril- 
liancy of  the  perfect  flower,  from  these  little  develop- 
ments. 

"  A  few  hours  before  she  died,  she  called  us  to  her, 
kissed  us,  and  passed  her  dear  hand,  still  full  and 
dimpled  as  in  health,  softly  over  our  faces.  The  pupils 
of  her  eyes  were  so  dilated  that  she  could  not  see  us 
distinctly,  and  once,  for  a  moment  or  two,  her  mind 
seemed  to  be  wandering;  then  looking  anxiously  into 
my  face,  she  said:  '  I  frightened,  mamma!  I  frightened !' 
.  .  .  Oh  with  what  feelings  did  I  wash  and  dress  her 
lovely  form  for  the  last  time,  and  compose  her  perfect 
little  limbs ;  and  then  see  her — the  dear  child  that  had 
so  long  lain  in  my  bosom — borne  away  to  her  newly- 
made  grave.  My  heart  grew  faint  when  I  though/ 
that  I  had  performed  for  her  my  last  office  of  love ; 
that  she  would  never  need  a  mother's  hand  again. 

"  My  dear  husband  performed  the  funeral  service 

K* 


250  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

with  an  aching,  though  not  desponding  heart.  The 
grave  is  in  our  own  enclosure,  about  fifteen  rods  from 
the  house — a  beautiful  retired  spot,  in  a  grove  of  Gan- 
gau-trees.  Near  it  is  a  little  Bethel,  erected  for  pri- 
vate devotion.  Thither  we  have  often  repaired ;  and 
we  trust  that  God,  who  in  his  infinite  wisdom  has 
taken  our  treasure  to  himself,  often  meets  us  there." 

The  biographer  of  Mrs.  Boardman — since  her  suc- 
cessor in  the  mission — mentions  that  a  single  specula- 
tive error  had  crept  into  her  religious  faith,  on  the 
subject  of  God's  particular  providence — that  while 
contemplating  the  vastness  of  that  agency 

"  That  ever  busy  wheels  the  silent  spheres," 

she  had  almost  thought  it  derogatory  to  the  "  Majesty 
of  heaven  and  earth"  to  conceive  of  him  as  occupied 
with  our  mean  affairs,  numbering  the  hairs  of  our 
heads,  and  guiding  the  sparrow's  fall.  But  the  blow 
which  crushed  her  heart,  destroyed  its  skepticism.  She 
saw  so  clearly  in  this  dispensation,  the  hand  of  a 
Father  chastening  his  erring  child  ;  she  felt  so  keenly 
that  she  deserved  the  rod,  for  having  in  a  measure 
worshipped  the  gift  more  than  the  giver,  that  she 
believed,  with  all  the  strength  of  an  irresistible  convic- 
tion, that  even  so  lowly  a  thing  as  her  own  heart  was 
indeed  a  theatre  for  the  constant  display  of  her  Maker's 
guiding  and  controlling  power,  not  less  than  the  starry 


LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  251 

heavens ;  that  her  own  sanctification,  and  the  provi- 
dential means  to  effect  it,  even  in  their  minutest  de- 
tails, were  ordered  by  sovereign  grace  and  wisdom; 
and  from  this  time  forth  she  never  doubted  again. 

But  it  is  time  to  detail  the  spirit-stirring  scenes  that 
occurred  a  few  months  after  the  death  of  the  child ; 
to  which  scenes  allusion  was  made  in  the  first  of  her 
two  letters. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

REVOLT   OF    TAVOT. LETTERS    FROM    MBS.    B. 

THE  revolt  of  Tavoy  from  the  British  government, 
and  its  consequences  to  the  missionaries  and  other 
foreigners  in  the  city,  are  so  well  described  in  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Boardman  to  a  friend  in  America,  that  we 
will  give  it  nearly  entire. 

"REV.  AND   DEAR    SIR, 

"  The  province  of  Tavoy  has  engaged  in  an  open 
revolt  against  the  British  government.  On  Lord's 
day  morning,  the  9th  inst.  at  4  o'clock,  we  were 
aroused  from  our  quiet  slumbers  by  the  cry  of 'Teacher, 
master,  Tavoy  rebels,'  and  ringing  at  all  our  doors  and 
windows.  We  were  soon  awake  to  our  extreme  dan- 
ger, as  we  heard  not  only  a  continual  report  of  mus- 
ketry within  the  town,  but  the  balls  were  frequently 
passing  over  our  heads  and  through  our  house;  and  in 
a  few  moments,  a  large  company  of  Tavoyans  collected 
near  our  gate,  and  gave  us  reason  to  suspect  they 
were  consulting  what  to  do  with  us.  We  lifted  our 
hearts  to  God  for  protection,  and  Mrs.  Boardman  and 


LITE   OF  SAEAH  B.   JUDSON.  253 

little  George  were  hurried  away  through  a  back  door, 
to  a  retired  building  in  the  rear.  I  lay  down  in  the 
house,  (to  escape  the  bullets,)  with  a  single  Burman 
boy,  to  watch  and  communicate  the  first  intelligence. 
After  an  hour  of  the  greatest  anxiety  and  uncertainty 
I  had  the  happiness  of  seeing  the  sepoys  (troops  in 
the  British  service)  in  possession  of  the  city  gates  in 
front  of  our  house.  We  soon  ascertained  that  a  party 
of  about  250  men  had  in  the  first  instance  attacked 
the  powder  magazine  and  gun-shed,  which  were  very 
near  our  house,  but  a  guard  of  sepoys  had  repelled 
them.  This  was  a  great  mercy,  for  had  the  insurgents 
obtained  the  arms  and  ammunition,  our  situation  would 
have  been  most  deplorable.  A  second  party  of  60  had 
attacked  the  house  of  the  principal  native  officer  of  the 
town,  while  a  third  party  had  fallen  upon  the  guard 
of  the  prison,  and  let  loose  all  the  prisoners,  one  hun- 
dred in  number,  who,  as  soon  as  their  irons  were 
knocked  off,  became  the  most  desperate  of  all  the 
insurgents."  .  .  . 

The  commissioner  of  the  province  was  absent  at 
Maulmain,  but  his  lady,  Mrs.  Burney,  urged  their  im- 
mediate removal  to  the  government  house.  They 
hesitated  at  first,  thinking  the  rebellion  might  soon  be 
quelled;  but  hearing  from  a  rebel  prisoner  that  the 
whole  province  was  engaged  in  the  insurrection,  and 
that  large  reinforcements  might  be  hourly  expected  to 


254  LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

join  the  rebels,  and  finding  that  the  Mission  premises 
from  their  situation,  were  likely  to  be  the  very  battle- 
ground of  the  contending  parties, — after  seeking  Di- 
vine direction,  they  concluded  to  abandon  them.  He 
continues  his  narrative,  "  We  caught  up  a  few  light 
articles  on  which  we  could  lay  our  hands,  and  with 
the  native  Christians,  fled  as  if  for  our  lives.  I  visited 
the  house  once  or  twice  after  this,  and  saved  a  few 
clothes  and  papers,  but  the  firing  being  near,  rendered 
it  hazardous  to  remain,  and  the  last  time  I  went,  I 
found  the  house  had  been  plundered.  A  large  part  of 
our  books,  furniture  and  clothes,  which  had  remained 
behind  were  either  taken  away  or  destroyed. 

"We  had  been  at  the  government  house  but  a  short 
time,  when  it  was  agreed  to  evacuate  the  town  and 
retire  to  the  wharf.  In  the  hurry  of  our  second  re- 
moval, many  things  which  we  had  brought  from  our 
house,  were  necessarily  left,  to  fall  into  the  hands  of 
the  plunderers.  We  soon  found  ourselves  at  the 
wharf, — a  large  wooden  building  of  six  rooms,  into 
which,  besides  the  Europeans,  were  huddled  all  the 
sepoys  with  their  baggage  and  ours,  and  several 
hundreds  of  women  and  children  belonging  to  Portu- 
guese and  others,  who  looked  to  the  English  for  pro- 
tection. Our  greatest  danger  at  this  time  arose  from 
having  in  one  of  the  rooms  where  many  were  to  sleep, 
and  all  of  us  were  continually  passing,  several  hundred 


LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSOK.  255 

barrels  of  gunpowder,  to  which  if  fire  should  be  com- 
municated accidentally  by  ourselves,  or  mischievously 
by  others,  we  should  all  perish  at  once.  The  next 
danger  was  from  the  rebels,  who  if  they  could  either 
rush  upon  us,  or  take  us  by  surprise  or  stratagem, 
would  doubtless  massacre  us  all  on  the  spot.  We 
lifted  up  our  hearts  to  God,  and  he  heard  us  from  his 
holy  habitation.  We  were  preserved  in  safety  through 
the  night,  though  anxious  and  sleepless.  All  our 
attempts  to  communicate  intelligence  of  our  situation 
to  the  people  in  Maulmain  and  Mergui  were  defeated, 
and  the  heavy  rains  soon  affected  the  health  of  the 
sepoys.  We  had  but  a  small  supply  of  rice  in  the 
granary  near  the  wharf,  and  that  was  continually  in 
danger  of  being  destroyed  or  burnt.  But  through  the 
kind  care  of  our  Heavenly  Father,  we  were  preserved 
alive,  and  nothing  of  great  importance  occurred  until 
the  morning  of  Thursday,  a  little  before  day-break, 
when  a  party  of  500  advanced  upon  us  from  the  town, 
and  set  fire  to  several  houses  and  vessels  near  the 
wharf.  But  God  interposed  in  our  behalf,  and  sent  a 
heavy  shower  of  rain,  which  extinguished  the  fire, 
while  the  sepoys  repelled  the  assailants. 

"At  breakfast  the  same  morning  we  had  the  hap- 
piness of  seeing  the  Diana  steam- vessel  coming  up  the 
river,  with  Major  Burney  on  board.  Our  hearts 
bounded  with  gratitude  to  God  It  was  soon  agreed 


256  LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

that  the  Diana  should  return  immediately  to  Maulmain 
for  a  reinforcement  of  troops,  and  Major  Burney  had 
the  kindness  to  offer  a  passage  for  Mrs.  Boardman  and 
our  family  together  with  his  own.  After  looking  to 
God  for  direction,  I  concluded  to  remain  behind,  partly 
in  compliance  with  Major  Burney's  advice  and  desire, 
but  particularly  in  the  hope  of  being  useful  as  an 
interpreter  and  negotiator,  and  a  preventer  of  blood- 
shed. With  painful  pleasure  I  took  a  hasty  leave  of 
my  dear  family,  and  in  the  evening  the  Diana  left  us, 
not  however  without  having  several  shots  from  can- 
non or  jinjals  fired  at  her  from  the  people  on  the  city 
wall.  The  pnglish  forces,  small  and  weak  and  sick 
as  they  were,  were  now  throwing  up  breast- works ; 
and  on  Saturday  the  15th  inst.  it  was  agreed  to  make 
an  attack  on  the  town,  in  order  if  possible  to  take  from 
the  walls  the  large  guns  that  bore  upon  us,  and  to  try 
the  strength  of  the  rebel  party.  I  stood  at  the  post  of 
observation  with  a  spy-glass  to  watch  and  give  the 
earliest  notice  of  the  event,  and  soon  had  the  pleasure 
of  announcing  that  the  officers  and  sepoys  had  scaled 
the  walls,  and  were  pitching  down  outside  the  large 
guns,  that  were  mounted  there,  while  friendly  Chinese 
were  employed  in  carrying  them  to  the  wharf.  The 
success  was  complete,  and  nothing  remained  but  to 
rescue  the  prisoners  (60  in  number)  whom  the  rebels 
had  caught  and  confined.  After  a  short  cessation  and 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON.  257 

a  little  refreshment,  a.  second  attack  was  made,  during 
which  the  prisoners  escaped  and  the  rebels  evacuated 
the  city.  A  second  battery  of  guns  was  also  taken  and 
brought  to  the  wharf.  In  the  morning  we  walked  at 
large  through  the  town ;  but  what  desolation,  what 
barbarous  destruction  was  everywhere  exhibited! 
everything  that  could  not  be  carried  away,  had  been 
cut  and  destroyed  in  the  most  wanton  mar  ler.  Our 
own  house  was  cut  to  pieces,  our  books  cut  scattered, 
torn  and  destroyed ;  our  furniture  either  car  ied  off,  or 
cut,  or  broken  in  pieces,  and  the  house  itsell  and  zayat 
converted  into  cook-houges  and  barracks.  Touring  the 
last  three  days,  we  have  been  picking  up  tht  scattered 
fragments  of  our  furniture,  books,  &c.  an<J  repairing 
our  house. 

"Nga-Dah,  the  ringleader  of  the  rebellion,  r  id  eleven 
of  his  principal  adherents,  have  been  caught  The  in- 
habitants are  coming  in  with  white  flags  and  <  ccupying 
their  houses.  The  bazaar  is  open,  and  tht  work  of 
repairs  is  going  on. 

"  Yesterday  morning  the  Diana  arrived  wiih  a  rein- 
forcement of  European  soldiers;  and  to-day  I  have 
come  on  board,  expecting  to  proceed  to  Maulmain 
immediately.  My  present  plan  is,  if  my  brethi«n  ap- 
prove, to  return  with  my  family,  and  resume  ou*  mis- 
sionary labors  as  before.  The  native  members  of 
our  church,  now  scattered,  will  probably  come  into 
17 


258  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

town   as  soon   as  they  hear  of  our  return.     Of  the 
boarding  scholars,  all  are  with  us  except  three  Karens. 

"My  letter  is  already  protracted  to  so  great  a 
length,  that  I  can  only  add  that  our  preservation  and 
deliverance  from  such  imminent  danger,  should  awa- 
ken in  our  hearts  the  warmest  gratitude  to  our  Heav- 
enly Father,  and  the  most  unwavering  confidence  in 
his  kind  care ;  and  that  the  foregoing  account  should 
revive  and  deepen  the  impression  made  by  previous 
events  in  the  history  of  this  mission,  that  we  stand  in 
need  of  the  continual  and  fervent  prayers  of  Christians 
in  America,  not  only  for  our  preservation,  but  for 
divine  guidance  in  all  our  affairs. 

"I  remain,  yours, 

"G.  D.  BOARDMAN 

"  P.S.  Saturday  Morning,  August  22d. — "I  have  just 
arrived  at  Maulmain,  and  have  the  happiness  to  find 
my  family  and  missionary  friends  in  comfortable 
health.  Praised  be  the  Lord  for  his  goodness. 

"Aug.  29th. — After  much  deliberation,  it  is  thought 
best  that  I  should  leave  my  family  here,  till  affairs  are 
more  settled.  ...  I  expect  to  embark  for  Tavoy  to- 
morrow morning.  May  the  spirit  of  all  grace  go  with 
me!" 

This  is  a  "plain  unvarnished"  account  of  the  ter- 
rible scene  through  which  the  missionaries  were  so 
wonderfully  preserved,  but  to  understand  more  fully 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  259 

their  imminent  peril  we  should  know,  that  the  town, 
at  the  time  of  the  revolt,  was  almost  defenceless.  The 
English  civil  and  military  chief  absent ;  the  officer  in 
command  on  his  death-bed ;  no  English  troops  in  the 
town,  and  but  about  a  hundred  sepoys,  who  though 
trained  to  British  modes  of  warfare  are  by  no  means 
equal  in  skill  or  valor  to  British  troops ;  and  the  chief 
engineer  disabled  by  sickness; — the  Tavoyans  had 
well  chosen  the  time  of  their  attack,  and  they  were 
sufficiently  numerous  to  have  carried  all  their  plans 
into  execution ;  but  the  result,  like  that  of  all  conflicts 
between  civilized  and  barbarous  men,  shows  how 
greatly  superior  a  few  troops,  well  disciplined,  are  to 
the  most  numerous  bodies  of  men,  unacquainted  with 
the  art  of  war. 

But  what  could  be  more  appalling  to  the  stoutest 
heart,  than  the  situation  of  Mrs.  Boardman  and  her 
helpless  family !  Forced  to  flee  from  her  frail  hut, 
by  bullets  actually  whizzing  through  it,  and  to  pass 
through  the  town  amid  the  yells  of  an  infuriated 
rabble,  her  path  sometimes  impeded  by  the  dead  bodies 
of  men  who  had  fallen  in  the  conflict:  driven  from  the 
shelter  of  the  government  house,  again  to  fly  through 
the  streets  to  the  wharf-house;  and  there,  with  three 
or  four  hundred  fugitives  crowded  together,  to  await 
death  which  threatened  them  in  every  form, — hearing 
over  their  heads  the  rush  of  cannon  balls,  and  seeing 


260  LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

from  burning  buildings  showers  of  sparks  falling,  one 
of  which,  jf  it  reached  the  magazines  under  their  roof, 
was  sufficient  to  tear  the  building  from  its  foundations 
and  whelm  them  all  in  one  common  ruin, — or  if  they 
escaped  this  danger,  to  know  that  hundreds  of  merci- 
less barbarians  with  knives  and  cutlasses  might  at  any 
moment  rush  into  the  building  and  destroy  them ; — 
can  the  female  heart,  we  are  ready  to  ask,  endure  such 
fearful  trial  ? 

"  Perchance  her  reason  stoops,  or  reels ; 
Perchance  a  courage  not  her  own 
Braces  her  mind  to  desperate  tone." 

Yes,  her  mind  was  stayed  by  a  "  courage  not  her 
own,"  but  it  was  "  braced"  to  no  "  desperate  tone ;" 
rather  its  calmness  was  that  of  a  child,  who,  in  its  own 
utter  helplessness,  clings  to  its  father's  arm,  and  feels 
secure.  Neither  must  we  forget  that  a  painful  diver- 
sion of  her  thoughts  from  the  terrors  around  her, 
was  afforded  by  the  necessities  of  her  suffering  babe, 
to  whom  the  foul  air  of  the  wharf-house,  and  the  want 
of  all  comforts,  had  nearly  proved  fatal.  It  was  only 
her  sleepless,  vigilant  care,  that,  under  Providence, 
prevented  the  poor  child  from  sharing  the  fate  of  Mrs 
Burney's  little  infant,  which  did  not  survive  the  dread- 
ful scene. 

And  with  what  transports  of  joy  did  this  suffering 
company  hail  the  sight  of  the  thin  blue  smoke  that 


LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  261 

heralded  the  arrival  of  a  steamer  from  Maulmain ! 
Amid  what  distracting  fears  for  her  husband,  left  in 
the  revolted  city,  her  infant  and  herself,  did  Mrs. 
Boardman  decide  to  go  on  board  the  steamer  return- 
ing to  Maulmain !  And  with  what  gratitude  and  joy 
did  she,  after  several  days  of  painful  suspense,  wel- 
come to  the  same  city,  her  husband,  and  hear  the  tidings 
of  the  triumph  of  British  power,  and  the  restoration 
of  tranquillity !  In  her  happiness  at  meeting  him  alive, 
she  noticed  not  that  his  late  exposure  and  sufferings 
had  increased  to  an  alarming  degree  the  symptoms  of 
his  dreadful  malady.  Inspired  with  something  of  his 
own  enthusiasm,  she  saw  him  depart,  to  return  to 
his  beloved  labors  in  Tavoy,  whither  she  hoped  and 
expected  soon  to  follow  him. 


CHAPTER  X. 

JCSSIONARY     LABORS     OP     MR.     BOARDMAN. HIS     ILL     HEALTH. LETTER 

FROM    MRS.  B. DEATH    OF  A   SECOND   CHILD. LETTERS   FROM   MRS.  B. 

FROM  Mr.  Boardman's  journal  we  learn  that  he  re- 
mained through  the  summer  and  part  of  the  autumn 
at  Tavoy,  diligently  prosecuting  his  labors  among  the 
Burmese,  Chinese,  Karens,  and  Europeans,  among 
all  which  -classes  he  had  singular  success.  In  the 
meantime  Mrs.  Boardman  continued  at  Maulmain, 
part  of  the  time  suffering  from  illness,  and  when  able, 
assisting  the  missionaries  there,  until  October,  when 
she  returned  again  to  Tavoy.  The  animated  and 
even  glowing  recital,  given  by  Mr.  Boardman  in  his 
journals  and  letters  of  this  year,  of  the  spread  of 
gospel  truth  among  the  natives  ;  his  records  of  preach- 
ing, travelling,  teaching  and  baptisms,  would  lead  one 
to  suppose  that  he  was  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  most 
vigorous  health,  and  that  his  frame  was  insensible  to 
fatigue.  But  careless  as  he  was  of  his  own  bodily 
ease,  there  was  an  eye  that  watched  him  with  the 
intensest  solicitude ;  a  heart  that  was  pierced  with 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  263 

anxiety,  knowing  that  though  "  the  inner  maa  was 
renewed  day  by  day,"  the  outer  man  was  too  surely 
"  perishing,"  and  would  soon  be  laid  aside,  forever. 

On  the  29th  of  July,  1830,  Mrs.  Boardman  writes 
to  her  sister  from  Maulmain,  whither  they  had  gone 
.for  the  benefit  of  her  children's  health:  "We  must 
look  beyond  this  frail  fleeting  world  for  our  true  peace. 
Alas,  I  know  by  most  bitter  experience,  that  it  is  in 
vain  to  seek  for  true  happiness  here  below.  My  fond- 
est earthly  hopes  have  again  and  again  been  dashed. 
Torn  from  the  bosom  of  my  dear  father's  family,  my 
heart  was  almost  broken ;  and  when  I  stood  by  the 
death-bed  of  my  sweet,  my  lovely  Sarah,  I  felt  indeed 
that  earthly  hopes  and  joys  are  but  a  dream.  But  a 
darker  cloud  hangs  over  me.  Oh  what  desolation  and 
anguish  of  spirit  do  I  feel,  when  I  think  it  is  possible 
that  in  a  few  more  months,  my  earthly  guide,  sup- 
porter, and  delight,  may  be  no  more !  .  .  .  He  has  a 
cough  which  has  been  hanging  about  him  a  year,  and 
he  is  very  much  reduced  by  it.  ...  Oh  my  sister, 
let  us  see  to  it  that  our  affections  are  set  on  things 
above." 

Such  "  desolation  and  anguish  of  spirit"  as  she  here 
describes,  had  her  husband  felt  for  her  in  the  preced- 
ing year,  when  for  some  months  before  and  after  the 
birth  of  her  second  son  she  lay  struggling  with  a  dan- 
gerous disease,  which  he  thought  would  surely  termi- 


264  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSOtf. 

nate  her  life.  At  that  time  he  wrote :  "  She  still 
grows  weaker,  and  her  case  is  now  more  alarming 
Should  our  friends  for  whom  I  have  sent  to  Maulmain 
come  even  immediately,  I  can  scarcely  hope  for  their 
arrival  before  the  crisis,  or  probably,  fatal  termination 
of  my  dear  partner's  disorder.  My  comfort  in  my 
present  affliction  is  the  thought,  that  if  to  our  former 
trials,  the  Lord  sees  fit  to  add  that  of  removing  my  be- 
loved companion,  he  does  it  with  a  perfect  knowledge 
of  all  the  blessedness  which  death  will  confer  on  her, 
and  of  all  the  sorrows  and  distresses  which  her  loss 
will  occasion  her  bereaved  husband  and  orphan  chil- 
dren, in  our  present  peculiar  condition.  It  affords  me 
great  relief  to  have  been  assured  by  her  that  the  bitter- 
ness of  death  is  past,  and  that  heavenly  glories  have 
been  unfolded  in  a  wonderful  and  unexpected  manner 
to  her  view."  And  again  he  says,  seemingly  losing 
for  a  moment  his  strong  confidence,  "  What  will  be- 
come of  my  children,  what  will  become  of  the  schools 
— of  the  poor  native  women — what  will  become  of 
me,  if  she  die  ?"  But  she  recovered,  and  "  his  thank- 
fulness knew  no  bounds,  his  letters  are  eloquent  in 
their  utterance  of  joy  and  praise." 

In  a  letter  of  Dec.  2,  1830,  Mrs.  Boardman  records 
another  affliction.  "  God  has  come  very  near  to  us 
and  wounded  our  hearts  afresh.  Our  youngest  child, 
aged  8  months,  went  from  us  to  meet  his  sainted 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  265 

sister,  in  September  last.  We  mourn,  but  not  without 
hope ;  for  we  shall  soon  be  in  that  blissful  world — be 
pure  and  lovely  like  our  departed  ones  in  glory."  And 
Mr.  Boardman  says :  "  Our  hearts  have  been  pierced 
anew  by  the  loss  of  our  dear  babe.  .  .  .  He  was  8 
months  old,  and  though  generally  feeble,  one  of  the 
most  lovely  and  interesting  of  babes.  The  Lord  has 
dealt  with  us  severely,  but  not  unkindly.  He  gave 
and  he  hath  taken  away." 

Both  these  devoted  missionaries  knew,  however, 
that  the  best  defence  against  such  trials  as  they  en- 
dured, is  found  in  a  steady  performance  of  duty.  In 
trouble  as  well  as  in  joy,  they  devoted  themselves  to 
their  great  object — saving  souls. — How  different  from 
those  who  make  a  sort  of  merit  of  "  indulging  the 
luxury  of  grief;"  and  show  their  regard  for  the  mem- 
ory of  the  dead  by  neglecting  their  duties  to  the 
living!  Christianity,  while  it  inculcates  and  fosters 
the  tenderest  sensibility  to  the  chastisements  of  our 
heavenly  Parent,  never  allows  us  in  any  calamity,  to 
fold  our  hands  in  inactive  despair.  Our  pathway  is 
filled  with  duties ;  and, 

"  Heart  within,  and  God  o'er  head," 

we  must,  like  our  Master,  "  go  about  doing  good," 
though  we  may  feel  "  cast  down,  pressed  out  of  meas- 
ure," by  affliction. 


266  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 

Speaking  of  a  severe  illness  about  this  time,  Mr 
Boardman  says :  "  Death  seemed  near,  .  .  .  but  had 
no  alarms,  no  terrors.  .  .  .  My  beloved  family  and  the 
perishing  heathen,  were  all  that  made  me  in  the  least 
degree  unwilling  to  die.  And  even  them  I  could  re- 
sign to  the  hands  of  a  gracious  and  covenant-keeping 
God."  In  one  of  the  last  letters  he  ever  wrote,  he  thus 
records  his  testimony  to  the  devotedness  of  his  belov- 
ed wife.  "  During  my  present  protracted  illness,  and 
when  I  was  at  the  worst  stage,  she  was  the  tenderest, 
most  assiduous,  attentive  and  affectionate  of  nurses. 
Without  her,  I  think  I  should  have  finished  my  career 
in  a  few  days.  And  even  when  our  lamented,  darling 
babe  lay  struggling  in  the  very  arms  of  death,  though 
she  was  with  him  constantly,  night  and  day,  she  did 
not  allow  me  to  suffer  one  moment,  for  lack  of  her  at- 
tentions. I  cannot  write  what  I  feel  on  this  tender 
subject.  But  oh  what  kindness  in  our  Heavenly 
Father,  that  when  her  services  were  so  much  needed, 
her  health  was  preserved,  and  she  had  strength  given 
her  to  perform  her  arduous  labors." 

Mr.  Boardman's  life  was  now  fast  ebbing  away.  In 
September,  1830,  he  had  written  a  sort  of  farewell  to 
his  parents,  brothers  and  sisters,  from  which  it  appears 
that  even  then  he  was  daily  looking  for  the  summons 
— "  Come  up  hither."  He  says  of  this  letter  that  it  is 
his  ast  farewell.  He  thanks  God  that  he  has  his  com 


LIFE  OP  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  267 

plaint — consumption — in  its  mildest  form.  He  enu- 
merates many  circumstances  of  mercy  with  which  he 
is  favored;  and  adds:  "But  most  of  all  for  outward 
comfort,  I  have  my  beloved  wife,  whose  most  untiring 
assiduity  has  mitigated  many  of  my  pains,  and  who  is 
ever  prompt  to  render  all  the  services  that  the  purest 
affection  can  dictate,  or  the  greatest  sufferings  require. 
And  it  deserves  to  be  mentioned  that  she  has  never 
been  so  free  from  missionary  and  family  cares,  or  from 
attacks  of  illness,  as  during  the  last  three  months,  while 
I  have  most  needed  her  kind  and  soothing  attentions. 
Bless  the  Lord  oh  my  soul,  and  praise  his  name !" 

"In  thinking,"  he  adds,  "on  the  probability  of  dying 
soon,  two  or  three  things  occasion  considerable  un- 
willingness to  meet  the  solemn  event.  One  is,  the  sore 
affliction  I  know  it  will  occasion  to  my  dear  family, 
especially  my  fond,  too  fond  wife.  Her  heart  will  be 
well-nigh  riven.  But  I  must  leave  her  with  Him  who 
is  anointed  to  heal  the  broken-hearted  and  to  bind  up 
their  wounds.  My  dear  little  son  is  too  young  to  re- 
member me  long,  or  to  realize  his  loss.  I  have  prayed 
for  him  many  times,  and  can  leave  him  in  .my  Hea- 
venly Father's  hands.  .  .  .  Then  there  are  the  perish- 
ing heathens  around  me.  .  .  .  During  the  last  ten 
years,  I  have  studied  with  more  or  less  reference  to 
being  useful  to  the  heathen.  And  now,  if  just  as  I  am 
beginning  to  be  qualified  to  labor  a  little  among  then* 


268  LIFE   OF  SAEAH  B.   JUDSOtf. 

my  days  are  cut  short,  much  of  my  study  and  prepara- 
tion seems  to  be  in  vain.  But  I  chide  myself  for  say- 
ing so  or  thinking  so.  If  I  had  done  no  good  whatever 
here  in  Burmah,  I  ought  to  submit  and  be  still  under 
the  hand  of  God,  .  .  .  but  I  trust  He  has  made  me  of 
some  service  to  a  few  poor  benighted  souls,  especially 
among  the  Karens,  who  shall  be  my  glory  and  joy  in 
the  day  of  the  Lord  Jesus."  "  As  to  my  hope  and  my 
confidence  of  acceptance  with  God,  if  any  man  has 
reason  to  renounce  all  his  own  righteousness,  .  .  . 
and  to  trust  entirely  and  solely  to  grace,  sovereign 
grace,  flowing  through  an  atoning  Saviour,  I  am  that 
man.  A  perfectly  right  action,  with  perfectly  right 
motives,  I  never  performed,  and  never  shall  perform^ 
till  freed  from  this  body  of  sin.  AN  UNPROFITABLE 
SERVANT,  is  the  most  appropriate  epitaph  for  my  tomb- 
stone." 

Thus  appeared  a  life  of  self-denying  sacrifices  for 
Christ,  when  shone  upon  by  the  pure  light  of  eternity. 
Happy  then  that  the  dying  man  could  say,  "  NOT  by 
works  of  righteousness  which  we  have  done,  but  by 
his  MERCY  he  saves  us !" 


CHAPTER  XL 

LETTES   FROM    UBS.   BOARDMAX — ILLNESS   AND   DEATH    OF   GEORCiE   DANA 
BOARDMAN. 

"  Tavoy,  March  7,  1831. 
"  MY  BELOVED  PARENTS, 

"  With  a  heart  glowing  with  joy,  and  at  the  same 
time  rent  with  anguish  unutterable,  I  take  my  pen  to 
address  you.  You,  too,  will  rejoice  when  you  hear 
what  God  has  wrought  through  the  instrumentality  of 
youi  beloved  son.  Yes,  you  will  bless  God  that  you 
were  enabled  to  devote  him  to  this  blessed  service 
among  the  heathen,  when  I  tell  you  that  within  the 
last  two  months,  fifty-seven  have  been  baptized,  all 
Karens,  excepting  one,  a  little  boy  of  the  school  and 
son  of  the  native  governor.  Twenty-three  were  bap- 
tized in  this  city  by  Moung  Ing,  and  thirty-four  in 
their  native  wilderness  by  Mr.  Mason. 

"Mr.  Mason  arrived  Jan.  23d,  and  on  the  31st,  he, 
with  Mr.  Boardman,  myself  and  George,  set  out  on  a 
long-promised  tour  among  the  Karens.  Mr.  Boardman 
was  very  feeble,  but  we  hoped  the  change  of  air  and 
scenery  would  be  beneficial.  A  company  of  Karens 


270  LIFE   OF  SARAH   B.   JUDSON. 

had  come  to  convey  us  out,  Mr.  Boardman  on  his  bed, 
and  me  in  a  chair.  We  reached  the  place  on  the 
third  day,  and  found  they  had  erected  a  bamboo  chapel 
on  a  beautiful  stream  at  the  base  of  a  range  of  moun- 
tains. The  place  was  central,  and  nearly  one  hun- 
dred persons  had  assembled,  more  than  half  of  them 
applicants  for  baptism.  Oh  it  was  a  sight  calculated 
to  call  forth  the  liveliest  joy  of  which  human  nature  is 
susceptible,  and  made  me,  for  a  moment,  forget  my 
bitter  griefs — a  sight  far  surpassing  all  I  had  ever  an- 
ticipated, even  in  my  most  sanguine  hours.  The 
Karens  cooked,  ate  and  slept  on  the  ground,  by  the 
river-side,  with  no  other  shelter  than  the  trees  of  the 
forest.  Three  years  ago  they  were  sunk  in  the  lowest 
depths  of  ignorance  and  superstition.  Now  the  glad 
tidings  of  mercy  had  reached  them,  and  they  were 
willing  to  live  in  the  open  air,  away  from  their  homes, 
for  the  sake  of  enjoying  the  privileges  of  the  Gospel. 

"  My  dear  husband  had  borne  the  journey  better 
than  we  had  feared,  though  he  suffered  from  exhaus- 
tion and  pain  in  his  side,  which,  however,  was  much 
relieved  by  a  little  attention.  His  spirits  were  un- 
usually good,  and  we  fondly  hoped  that  a  few  days' 
residence  in  that  delightful,  airy  spot,  surrounded  by 
his  loved  Karens,  would  recruit  and  invigorate  his 
weakened  frame.  But  I  soon  perceived  he  was  failing, 
and  tenderly  urged  his  return  to  town,  where  he  could 


LIFE  OP  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  271 

enjoy  the  quiet  of  home,  and  the  benefit  of  medical 
advice.  But  he  repelled  the  thought  at  once,  saying 
he  confidently  expected  improvement  from  the  change, 
and  that  the  disappointment  would  be  worse  for  him 
than  staying.  '  And  even,'  added  he,  '  should  my  poor, 
unprofitable  life  be  somewhat  shortened  by  staying, 
ought  I,  on  that  account  merely,  to  leave  this  interest- 
ing field?  Should  I  not  rather  stay  and  assist  in 
gathering  in  these  dear  scattered  lambs  of  the  fold  ? 
You  know,  Sarah,  that  coming  on  a  foreign  mission 
involves  the  probability  of  a  shorter  life,  than  staying 
in  one's  native  country.  And  yet  obedience  to  our 
Lord,  and  compassion  for  the  perishing  heathen,  in- 
duced us  to  make  this  sacrifice.  And  have  we  ever 
repented  that  we  came  ?  No  ;  I  trust  we  can  both 
say  that  we  bless  God  for  bringing  us  to  Burmah,  for 
directing  our  footsteps  to  Tavoy,  and  even  for  leading 
us  hither.  You  already  know,  my  love,'  he  continued, 
with  a  look  of  tenderness  never  to  be  forgotten,  '  that 
I  cannot  live  long,  I  must  sink  under  this  disease ;  and 
should  we  go  home  now,  the  all-important  business 
which  brought  us  out,  must  be  given  up,  and  I  might 
linger  out  a  few  days  of  suffering,  stung  with  the  re- 
flection, that  I  had  preferred  a^  few  idle  days,  to  my 
Master's  service.  Do  not,  therefore,  ask  me  to  go,  till 
these  poor  Karens  have  been  baptized.'  I  saw  he  was 
right,  but  my  feelings  revolted  Nothing  seemed  so 


272  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

valuable  as  his  life,  and  1  felt  that  1  could  make  any 
sacrifice  to  prolong  it,  though  it  were  but  for  one 
hour.  Still  a  desire  to  gratify  him,  if  no  higher  motive, 
made  me  silent,  though  my  heart  ached  to  see  him  so 
ill  in  such  a  wretched  place,  deprived  of  many  of 
the  comforts  of  life,  to  say  nothing  of  the  indulgencies 
desirable  in  sickness.  ' 

"  The  chapel  was  large,  but  open  on  all  sides,  ex- 
cepting a  small  place  built  up  for  Mr.  Mason,  and  a 
room  about  five  feet  wide  and  ten  feet  long,  for  the 
accommodation  of  Mr.  Boardman  and  myself  with 
our  little  boy.  The  roof  was  so  low,  that  I  could 
not  stand  upright ;  and  it  was  but  poorly  enclosed, 
so  that  he  was  exposed  to  the  burning  rays  of  the 
sun  by  day,  and  to  the  cold  •winds  and  damp  fog 
by  night.  But  his  mind  was  happy,  and  he  would 
often  say,  '  If  I  live  to  see  this  one  ingathering,  1 
may  well  exclaim,  with  happy  Simeon,  Lord,  now 
lettest  thou  thy  servant  depart  in  peace,  according 
to  thy  word,  for  mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation. 
How  many  ministers  have  wished  they  might  die  in 
their  pulpits  ;  and  would  not  dying  in  a  spot  like 
this,  be  even  more  blessed  than  dying  in  a  pulpit  at 
borne  ?  I  feel  that  it  jprould.' 

"  Nor  was  it  merely  the  pleasing  state  of  things 
around  him  that  filled  his  mind  with  comfort.  He 
would  sometimes  dwell  on  the  infinite  compassion  of 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON.  273 

God,  and  his  own  unworthiness,  till  his  strength  was 
quite  exhausted ;  and  though  he  told  Mr.  Mason  thai 
he  had  not  the  rapture  which  he  had  sometimes  en- 
joyed, yet  his  mind  was  calm  and  peaceful ;  and  it 
was  plainly  perceptible,  that  earthly  passions  had  died 
away,  and  that  he  was  enjoying  sweet  foretastes  of 
that  rest  into  which  he  was  so  soon  to  enter.  He 
would  often  say  to  me,  '  My  meditations  are  very 
sweet,  though  my  mind  seems  as  much  weakened  as 
my  body.  I  have  not  had  that  liveliness  of  feeling, 
which  I  have  sometimes  enjoyed,  owing  to  my  great 
weakness,  but  I  shall  soon  be  released  from  shackles, 
and  be  where  I  can  praise  God  continually,  without 
weariness.  My  thoughts  delight  to  dwell  on.  these 
words,  There  is  no  night  there' 

"  I  felt  that  the  time  of  separation  was  fast  ap- 
proaching, and  said  to  him,  '  My  dear,  I  have  one  re- 
quest to  make ;  it  is,  that  you  would  pray  much*  foi 
George,  during  your  few  remaining  days.  I  shall  soon 
be  left  alone,  almost  the  only  one  on  earth  to  pray  for 
him,  and  I  have  great  confidence  in  your  dying  pray- 
ers.' He  looked  earnestly  at  the  little  boy,  and  said, 
I  will  try  to  pray  for  him  ;  but  I  trust  very  many 
prayers  will  ascend  for  the  dear  child  from  our  friends 
at  home,  who  will  be  induced  to  supplicate  the  mere 
earnestly  for  him,  when  they  hear  that  he  is  left  father 
less  in  a  heathen  land.' 

18  *•" 


274:  LlfE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 

"  On  Wednesday,  while  looking  in  the  glass,  he 
seemed  at  once  to  see  symptoms  of  his  approaching 
dissolution,  and  said,  without  emotion,  '  I  have  altered 
greatly — I  am  sinking  into  the  grave  very  fast — just 
on  the  verge.'  Mr.  Mason  said  to  him,  '  Is  there 
nothing  we  can  do  for  you  ?  Had  we  not  better  call 
the  physician  ?  Or  shall  we  try  to  remove  you  into 
town  immediately?'  After  a  few  moments'  delibera- 
tion, it  was  concluded  to  defer  the  baptism  of  the  male 
applicants,  and  set  out  for  home  early  the  next  morn- 
ing. Nearly  all  the  female  candidates  had  been  ex- 
amined, and  as  it  is  difficult  for  them  to  come  to  town, 
it  was  thought  best  that  Mr.  Mason  should  baptize 
them  in  the  evening.  We  knelt,  and  Mr.  Mason  hav- 
ing prayed  for  a  blessing  on  the  decision,  we  sat  down 
to  breakfast  with  sorrowful  hearts. 

"  While  we  were  at  the  table,  my  beloved  husband 
saicf,  '  I  shall  soon  be  thrown  away  for  this  world ;  but 
I  hope  the  Lord  Jesus  will  take  me  up.  That  merci- 
ful Being,  who  is  represented  as  passing  by,  and  hav- 
ing compassion  on  the  poor  cast-out  infant,  will  not 
suffer  me  to  perish.  O,  I  have  no  hope  but  in  the  won- 
derful, condescending,  infinite  mercy  of  God,  through 
his  dear  Son.  I  cast  my  poor  perishing  soul,  loaded 
with  sin,  as  it  is,  upon  his  compassionate  arms,  assured 
that  all  will  be  forever  safe.'  On  seeing  my  tears,  he 
said.  '  Are  you  not  reconciled  to  the  will  of  God,  my 


LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

love  ?'  When  I  told  him  I  hoped  I  did  not  feel  un- 
reconciled, he  continued,  '  I  have  long  ago,  and  many 
times,  committed  you  and  our  little  one  into  the  hands 
of  our  covenant  God.  He  is  the  husband  of  the 
widow  and  the  father  of  the  fatherless.  Leave  thy 
fatherless  children,  I  will  preserve  them  alive  ;  and 
let  thy  widows  trust  in  me,  saith  the  Lord.  He  will 
be  your  stay  and  support,  when  I  am  gone.  The  sepa- 
ration will  be  but  short.  O,  how  happy  I  shall  be  to 
welcome  you  to  heaven.'  He  then  addressed  Mr. 
Mason,  as  follows  : — '  Brother,  I  am  heartily  rejoiced, 
and  bless  God  that  you  have  arrived,  and  especially 
am  I  gratified,  that  you  are  so  much  interested  for  the 
poor  Karens.  You  will,  I  am  assured,  watch  over 
them,  and  take  care  of  them ;  and  if  some  of  them 
turn  back,  you  will  still  care  for  them.  As  to  my  dear 
wife  and  child,  I  know  you  will  do  all  in  your  power  to 
make  them  comfortable.  Mrs.  B.  will  probably  spend 
the  ensuing  rains  in  Tavoy.  She  will  be  happy  with 
you  and  Mrs.  Mason ;  that  is,  as  happy  as  she  can  be 
in  her  state  of  loneliness.  She  will  mourn  for  me,  and 
a  widow's  state  is  desolate  and  sorrowful  at  best.  But 
God  will  be  infinitely  better  to  her,  than  I  have  ever 
been.'  On  the  same  day,  he  wished  me  to  read  some 
hymns  on  affliction,  sickness,  death,  &c  I  took  Wes- 
ley's Hymn  Book,  the  only  one  we  had  with  us,  and 


276  LIFE  OF  SARAH   B.   JUDSON. 

read  several,  among  others,  the  one  beginning,  '  A.h, 
lovely  appearance  of  death.' 

"On  Wednesday  evening,  thirty-four  persons  were 
baptized.  Mr.  Boardman  was  carried  to  the  water- 
Bide,  though  so  weak  that  he  could  hardly  breathe 
without  the  continual  use  of  the  fan  and  the  smell- 
ing-bottle. The  joyful  sight  was  almost  too  much 
for  his  feeble  frame.  When  we  reached  the  chapel, 
he  said  he  would  like  to  sit  up  and  take  tea  with 
us.  We  placed  his  cot  near  the  table,  and  having 
bolstered  him  up,  we  took  tea  together.  He  asked 
the  blessing,  and  did  it  with  his  right  hand  upraised, 
and  in  a  tone  that  struck  me  to  the  heart.  It  was  the 
same  tremulous,  yet  urgent,  and  I  had  almost  said,  un- 
earthly voice,  with  which  my  aged  grandfather  used 
to  pray.  We  now  began  to  notice  that  brightening 
of  the  mental  faculties,  which  I  had  heard  spoken  of, 
in  persons  near  their  end. 

"After  tea  was  removed,  all  the  disciples  present, 
about,  fifty  in  number,  gathered  around  him,  and  he 
addressed  them  for  a  few  moments  in  language  like 
the  following : — '  I  did  hope  to  stay  with  you  till  after 
Lord's-day,  and  administer  to  you  once  more  the 
Lord's  Supper.  But  God  is  calling  me  away  from 
you.  I  am  about  to  die,  and  shall  soon  be  inconceiv- 
ably happy  in  heaven.  When  I  am  gone,  remember 
what  I  have  taught  you ;  and  O,  be  careful  to  perse- 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON.  277 

rere  unto  the  end,  that  when  you  die,  we  may  mee*. 
one  another  in  the  presence  of  God,  never  more  to 
part.  Listen  to  the  word  of  the  new  teacher  and  the 
teacheress  as  you  have  done  to  mine.  The  teacheress 
will  be  very  much  distressed.  Strive  to  lighten  her 
burdens,  and  comfort  her  by  your  good  conduct.  Do 
not  neglect  prayer.  The  eternal  God,  to  whom  you 
pray,  is  unchangeable.  Earthly  teachers  sicken  and 
die,  but  God  remains  forever  the  same.  Love  Jesus 
Christ  with  all  your  hearts,  and  you  will  be  forever 
safe/  This  address  I  gathered  from  the  Karens,  as  I 
was  absent  preparing  his  things  for  the  night.  Hav- 
ing rested  a  few  minutes,  he  offered  a  short  prayer? 
and  then  with  Mr.  Mason's  assistance,  distributed 
tracts  and  portions  of  Scripture  to  them  all.  Early 
the  next  morning  we  left  for  home,  accompanied  by 
nearly  all  the  males  and  some  of  the  females,  the  re- 
mainder returning  to  their  homes  in  the  wilderness. 
Mr.  Boardman  was  free  from  pain  during  the  day,  and 
there  was  no  unfavorable  change,  except  that  his 
mouth  grew  sore.  But  at  four  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon, we  were  overtaken  by  a  violent  shower  of  rain, 
accompanied  by  lightning  and  thunder.  There  was 
no  house  in  sight,  and  we  were  obliged  to  remain  in 
the  open  air,  exposed  to  the  merciless  storm.  \Ve 
covered  him  with  mats  and  blankets,  and  held  our  um- 
brellas over  him,  all  to  no  purpose.  I  was  obliged  to 


278  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

stand  and  see  the  storm  beating  upon  him,  till  his 
mattress  and  pillows  were  drenched  with  rain.  We 
hastened  on,  and  soon  came  to  a  Tavoy  house.  The 
inhabitants  at  first  refused  us  admittance,  and  we 
ran  for  shelter  into  the  out-houses.  The  shed  I  hap- 
pened to  enter,  proved  to  be  the  '  house  of  their  gods,' 
and  thus  I  committed  an  almost  unpardonable  offence. 
After  some  persuasion  they  admitted  us  into  the  house, 
or  rather  verandah,  for  they  would  not  allow  us  to 
sleep  inside,  though  I  begged  the  privilege  for  my  sick 
husband  with  tears.  In  ordinary  cases,  perhaps,  they 
would  have  been  hospitable  ;  but  they  knew  that  Mr. 
Boardman  was  a  teacher  of  a  foreign  religion,  and 
that  the  Karens  in  our  company  had  embraced  that 
religion. 

"At  evening  worship,  Mr.  Boardman  requested  Mr. 
Mason  to  read  the  thirty-fourth  Psalm.  He  seemed 
almost  spent,  and  said,  '  This  poor  perishing  dust  will 
soon  be  laid  in  the  grave  ;  but  God  can  employ  other 
lumps  of  clay  to  perform  his  will,  as  easily  as  he  has 
this  poor  unworthy  one.'  I  told  him,  I  should  like  to 
sit  up  and  watch  by  him,  but  he  objected,  and  said  in 
a  tender  supplicating  tone,  'Cannot  we  sleep  together?' 
The  rain  still  continued,  and  his  cot  was  wet,  so  that 
he  was  obliged  to  lie  on  the  bamboo  floor.  Having 
found  a  place  where  our  little  boy  could  sleep  without 
danger  of  falling  through  openings  in  the  floor,  I  threw 


LIFE  OF  SAKAH  B.  JUDSON.  279 

myself  down,  without  undressing,  beside  my  beloved 
husband.  I  spoke  to  him  often  during  the  night,  and 
he  said  he  felt  well,  excepting  an  uncomfortable  feel- 
ing in  his  mouth  and  throat.  This  was  somewhat 
relieved  by  frequent  washings  with  cold  water.  Mis- 
erably wretched  as  his  situation  was,  he  did  not  com- 
plain ;  on  the  contrary,  his  heart  seemed  overflowing 
with  gratitude.  '  O,'  said  he,  '  how  kind  and  good  our 
Father  in  heaven  is  to  me ;  how  many  are  racked  with 
pain,  while  I,  though  near  the  grave,  am  almost  free 
from  distress  of  body.  I  suffer  nothing,  nothing  to 
what  you,  my  dear  Sarah,  had  to  endure  last  year, 
when  I  thought  I  must  lose  you.  And  then  I  have 
you  to  move  me  so  tenderly.  I  should  have  sunk 
into  the  grave  ere  this,  but  for  your  assiduous  atten- 
tion. And  brother  Mason  is  as  kind  to  me  as  if  he 
were  my  own  brother.  And  then  how  many,  in  ad- 
dition to  pain  of  body,  have  anguish  of  soul,  while 
my  mind  is  sweetly  stayed  on  God.'  On  my  saying, 
'  I  hope  we  shall  be  at  home  to-morrow  night,  where 
you  can  lie  on  your  comfortable  bed,  and  I  can  nurse 
you  as  I  wish,'  he  said,  '  I  want  nothing  that  the  world 
can  afford,  but  my  wife  and  friends  ;  earthly  conveni- 
ences and  comforts  are  of  little  consequence  to  one  so 
near  heaven.  I  only  want  them  for  your  sake.'  In 
ihe  morning  we  thought  him  a  little  better,  though  I 
perceived,  when  I  gave  him  his  sago,  that  his  breath 


280  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON". 

was  very  short.  He,  however,  took  rather  more 
nourishment  than  usual,  and  spoke  about  the  manner 
of  his  conveyance  home.  We  ascertained  that  by 
waiting  until  twelve  o'clock,  we  could  go  the  greater 
part  of  the  way  by  water. 

"At  about  nine  o'clock,  his  hands  and  feet  grew 
cold,  and  the  affectionate  Karens  rubbed  them  all  the 
forenoon,  excepting  a  few  moments  when  he  request- 
ed to  be  left  alone.  At  ten  o'clock,  he  was  much  dis- 
tressed for  breath,  and  I  thought  the  long  dreaded  mo- 
ment had  arrived.  I  asked  him,  if  he  felt  as  if  he  was 
going  home — '  not  just  yet,'  he  replied.  On  giving 
him  a  little  wine  and  water,  he  revived.  Shortly 
after,  he  said,  '  You  were  alarmed  without  cause  just 
now,  dear — I  know  the  reason  of  the  distress  I  felt, 
but  am  too  weak  to  explain  it  to  you.'  In  a  few  mo- 
ments he  said  to  me,  '  Since  you  spoke  to  me  about 
George,  I  have  prayed  for  him  almost  incessantly — 
more  than  in  all  my  life  before.' 

"  It  drew  near  twelve,  the  time  for  us  to  go  to  the 
ooat.  We  were  distressed  at  the  thought  of  removing 
nim,  when  evidently  so  near  the  last  struggle,  though 
we  did  not  think  it  so  near  as  it  really  was.  But  there 
was  no  alternative.  The  chilling  frown  of  the  iron- 
faced  Tavoyan  was  to  us  as  if  he  was  continually 
saying,  '  be  gone.'  I  wanted  a  little  broth  for  my  ex- 
piring husband,  but  on  asking  them  for  a  fowl  they  ' 


LIFE  OF  SARAH   B.   JUDSON. 

said  they  had  none,  though  at  that  instant,  on  glancing 
my  eye  through  an  opening  in  the  floor,  I  saw  three 
or  four  under  the  house.  My  heart  was  well  nigh 
breaking. 

"  We  hastened  to  the  boat,  which  was  only  a  few 
steps  from  the  house.  The  Karens  carried  Mr.  Board- 
man  first,  and  as  the  shore  was  muddy,  I  was  obliged 
to  wait  till  they  could  return  for  me.  They  took  me 
immediately  to  him  ;  but  O,  the  agony  of  my  soul, 
when  I  saw  the  hand  of  death  was  on  him!  He  was 
looking  me  full  in  the  face,  but  his  eyes  were  changed, 
not  dimmed,  but  brightened,  and  the  pupils  so  dilated, 
that  I  feared  he  could  not  see  me.  I  spoke  to  him— 
kissed  him — but  he  made  no  return,  though  I  fancied 
that  he  tried  to  move  his  lips.  I  pressed  his  hand, 
knowing  that  if  he  could,  he  would  return  the  pres- 
sure ;  but,  alas !  for  the  first  time,  he  was  insensible  to 
my  love,  and  forever.  I  had  brought  a  glass  of  wine 
and  water  already  mixed,  and  a  smelling-bottle,  but 
neither  was  of  any  avail  to  him  now.  Agreeably  to  a 
previous  request,  I  called  the  faithful  Karens,  who 
loved  him  so  much,  and  whom  he  had  loved  unto 
death,  to  come  and  watch  his  last  gentle  breathings,, 
for  there  was  no  struggle. 

"  Never,  my  dear  parents,  did  one  of  our  poor  fallen 
race  have  less  to  contend  with,  in  the  last  enemy. 
Little  George  was  brought  to  see  his  dying  father,  but 


LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

he  was  tx>  young  to  know  there  was  cause  for  grief. 
When  Sarah  died,  her  father  said  to  George,  '  Poor 
little  boy,  you  will  not  know  to-morrow  what  you 
have  lost  to-day.'  A  deep  pang  rent  my  bosom  at  the 
recollection  of  this,  and  a  still  deeper  one  succeeded 
when  the  thought  struck  me,  that  though  my  little  boy 
may  not  know  to-morrow  what  he  has  lost  to-day, 
yet  when  years  have  rolled  by,  and  he  shall  have  felt 
the  unkindness  of  a  deceitful,  selfish  world,  he  will 
know. 

"  Mr.  Mason  wept,  and  the  sorrowing  Karens  knelt 
down  in  prayer  to  God — that  God,  of  whom  their  ex- 
piring teacher  had  taught  them — that  God,  into  whose 
presence  the  emancipated  spirit  was  just  entering — 
that  God,  with  whom  they  hope  and  expect  to  be  happy 
forever.  My  own  feelings  I  will  not  attempt  to  describe. 
You  may  have  some  faint  idea  of  them,  when  you  re- 
collect what  he  was  to  me,  how  tenderly  I  loved  him, 
and,  at  the  same  time,  bear  in  mind  the  precious 
promises  to  the  afflicted. 

"  We  came  in  silence  down  the  river,  and  landed 
about  three  miles  from  our  house.  The  Karens  placed 
his  precious  remains  on  his  little  bed,  and  with  feelings 
which  you  can  better  imagine  than  I  describe,  we  pro- 
ceeded homewards.  The  mournful  intelligence  had 
reached  town  before  us,  and  we  were  soon  met  by 
Moung  Ing,  the  Burman  preacher.  At  the  sight  of 


LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  283 

;is,  he  burst  into  a  flood  of  tears.  Next,  we  met  the 
two  native  Christian  sisters,  who  li\pd  with  us.  But 
the  moment  of  most  bitter  anguish  was  yet  to  come 
on  our  arrival  at  the  house.  They  took  him  into  the 
sleeping-room,  and  when  I  uncovered  his  face,  for  a 
few  moments,  nothing  was  heard  but  reiterated  sobs. 
He  had  not  altered — the  same  sweet  smile,  with  which 
he  was  wont  to  welcome  me,  sat  on  his  countenance. 
His  eyes  had  opened  in  bringing  him,  and  all  present 
seemed  expecting  to  hear  his  voice  ;  when  the  thought, 
that  it  was  silent  forever,  rushed  upon  us,  and  filled 
us  with  anguish  sudden  and  unutterable.  There  were 
the  Burman  Christians,  who  had  listened  so  long,  with 
edification  and  delight,  to  his  preaching — there  were 
the  Karens,  who  looked  to  him  as  their  guide,  their 
earthly  all — there  were  the  scholars  whom  he  had 
taught  the  way  to  heaven,  and  the  Christian  sisters, 
whose  privilege  it  had  been  to  wash,  as  it  were,  his 
feet! 

"  Early  next  morning,  his  funeral  was  attended,  and 
all  the  Europeans  in  the  place,  with  many  natives, 
were  present.  It  may  be  some  consolation  to  you  to 
know  that  everything  was  performed  in  as  decent  a 
manner,  as  if  he  had  been  buried  in  our  own  dear  na- 
tive land.  By  his  owaxequest,  he  was  interred  on  the 
south  side  of  our  darling  first-born.  It  is  a  pleasant 
circumstance  to  me,  that  they  sleep  side  by  side.  But 


284  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JDDSON. 

it  is  infinitely  more  consoling  to  think,  that  their  glori- 
fied spirits  have^fnet  in  that  blissful  world,  where  sin 
and  death  never  enter,  and  sorrow  is  unknown. 

"  Praying  that  we  may  be  abundantly  prepared  to 
enter  into  our  glorious  rest,  I  remain,  my  dear  parents, 
your  deeply  afflicted,  but  most  affectionate  child, 

"  SARAH  H.  BOARDMAN." 

Well  might  Mr.  Judson  say,  "  One  of  the  brightest 
luminaries  of  Burmah  is  extinguished,  dear  brother 
Boardman  is  gone  to  his  eternal  rest.  He  fell  gloriously 
at  the  head  of  his  troops,  in  the  arms  of  victory,  thirty- 
seven  wild  Karens  having  been  brought  into  the  camp 
of  our  king  since  the  beginning  of  the  year,  besides 
the  thirty-two  that  were  brought  in  during  the  two 
preceding  years.  Disabled  by  wounds,  he  was  obliged 
through  the  whole  of  his  last  expedition,  to  be  carried 
on  a  litter  ;  but  his  presence  was  a  host,  and  the  Holy 
Spirit  accompanied  his  dying  whispers  with  almighty 
influence.  Such  a  death,  next  to  that  of  martyrdom, 
must  be  glorious  in  the  eyes  of  Heaven.  Well  may 
we  rest  assured,  that  a  triumphal  crown  awaits  him  on 
the  great  day,  and  '  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  ser- 
vant, enter  thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord!'  "  This  is  in 
the  spirit  of  Montgomery's  noble  hymn,  with  an  ex- 
tract from  which  we  will  close  the  account  of  George 
Dana  Boardman. 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON.  285 

"  Soldier  of  Christ,  well  done ! 

Rest  from  thy  loved  employ : 
The  battle  fought,  the  victory  won, 
Enter  thy  Master's  joy. 

At  midnight  came  the  cry, 

To  meet  thy  God  prepare  I 
He  woke,  and  caught  his  Captain's  eye ; 

Then,  strong  in  faith  and  prayer, 

His  spirit,  with  a  bound, 

Left  its  encumbering  clay ; 
His  tent,  at  sunrise,  on  the  ground, 

A  darkened  ruin  lay." 


CHAPTER    XII. 

LETTERS     FROM     MES.    B. HEB   DECISION     TO     REMAIN    IN     BURMAH. HER 

MISSIONARY    LABORS. HER   TRIALS. SCHOOLS. 

MRS.  BOARDMAN  found  the  society  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Mason  a  sweet  solace  to  her  sad  heart.  They  joined 
her  at  Tavoy  in  the  spring  of  1831,  and  assisted  her  in 
her  school,  besides  studying  the  language.  Her  letters 
to  her  sister  show  a  spirit  chastened  and  saddened,  but 
not  crushed  by  sorrow,  and  still  tenderly  solicitous  for 
the  spiritual  welfare  of  her  dear  brothers  and  sisters 
in  America.  She  urges  them  by  every  motive,  to  em- 
brace that  Saviour  she  had  found  so  precious.  After 
telling  them  of  the  "glorious  revival  among  the 
Karens,"  and  of  the  baptism  of  seventy-three  of  them, 
she  asks  how  they  feel  when  they  hear  of  the  conver- 
sion of  these  poor  children  of  the  wilderness  ?  "  Some," 
she  says,  "  indeed  most  of  those  who  have  been  bap- 
tized, were  impressed  with  the  infinite  importance  of 
• 

religion  at  the  first  time  of  hearing  the  gospel,  and 
gave  themselves  no  rest  till  they  found  it  in  the 
Saviour.  O,  I  tremble  and  can  scarcely  hold  my  pen 
while  I  think  of  the  awful  account  you  must  render  to 


LIFE    OF  SAEAH  B.   JUDSON".  287 

God,  if  after  all  your  privileges,  you  fall  short  of 
Heaven  at  last.  .  .  .  How  can  you  resist  any  longer  ? 
You  cannot,  you  will  not — something  tells  me  you  wilJ 
give  yourself  immediately,  unreservedly  to  that  com 
passionate  Saviour  whose  love  was  stronger  thafl 
death." 

Her  confidence  was  justified ;  for  some  months  later 
she  says,  "  Dearly  beloved  brother  and  sister,  a  parcel 
of  letters  from  America  has  reached  us,  which  we 
eagerly  opened,  .  .  .  and  received  the  delightful,  heart- 
cheering  intelligence  that  you  have  both  become  fol- 
lowers of  Jesus,  and  have  openly  professed  his  name, 
and  that  two  others  of  the  dear  children  are  serious. 
...  Oh  I  have  wept  hours  at  the  thought  of  God's 
goodness  in  giving  me  such  joyful  news  in  the  midst 
of  my  sorrows.  And  is  it  indeed  true  that  my  own 
dear  Harriet  and  my  dearly  loved  brother  are  adopted 
into  the  family  of  God's  chosen  ones  ?  Are  your  names 
really  written  in  the  Lamb's  book  of  life  ?  .  .  .  And 
do  each  of  you  when  alone  in  your  closet  before  your 
Heavenly  Father,  feel  that  he  draws  near  to  you,  and 
that  sweeter  than  all  the  pleasures  of  the  world  is  com 
munion  with  him  ?  O  I  know  that  you  do  ;  and  now 
do  I  feel  a  union  with  you  unknown  before.  How 
sweet  to  feel,  that  while  wandering,  a  lonely  desolate 
widow,  some  of  those  whom  I  most  love,  remember 
me  every  day  before  a  throne  of  grace.  Now  when 


288  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

I  kneel  in  prayer  the  voice  of  praise  is  on  my  lips.  At 
each  thought  of  home,  my  heart  leaps  for  joy,  and  I 
feel  as  if  relieved  of  a  heavy  burden  which  continually 
weighed  down  my  spirits  while  thinking  of  my  absent 
brothers  and  sisters.  .  .  .  The  accounts  of  the  glorious 
revivals  in  different  parts  of  our  dear  native  land  have 
greatly  refreshed  our  hearts,  and  we  are  ready  to  ex- 
claim, surely  the  millennium  has  dawned  for  happy 
America.  Perhaps  you  think  such  intelligence  makes 
me  wish  to  return.  But  no,  my  dear  brothers  ana 
sisters,  it  makes  me  feel  just  the  reverse.  I  do  most 
ardently  long  to  labor  in  this  dark  land  till  the  day 
dawns  upon  us,  ...  rather  I  should  say  till  the  Sun 
of  Righteousness  reaches  the  meridian  of  Burmah,  for 
the  day  has  already  dawned,  and  the  eastern  Karen 
mountains,  enveloped  for  ages  past  in  midnight  gloom, 
are  rejoicing  in  his  bright  beams. 

"  Our  schools  are  very  flourishing.  .  .  .  We  have 
'sixty  scholars  in  town,  and  about  fifty  among  the  Ka- 
rens in  the  jungles.  I  feel  desolate,  lonely,  and  some- 
times deeply  distressed  at  my  great  and  irreparable  loss, 
— but  I  bless  God  I  am  not  in  despair.  My  darling 
George  is  in  good  health,  and  is  a  source  of  much 
comfort,  though  of  deep  anxiety  to  me.  He  is  learning 
to  read,  but  is  not  so  forward  as  children  at  home. 
How  it  comforts  my  heart  to  be  able  to  ask  you  to 
pray  for  him !" 


LIFE  OF  SARAH   B.   JUDSON.  289 

In  a  hurried  postscript  she  adds :  "  There  are  more 
than  eighty  Karens  at  our  house,  upwards  of  twenty 
of  them  applicants  for  baptism." 

In  another  letter :  "  Death  now  seems  nearer  to  me, 
and  Heaven  dearer  than  before  I  was  afflicted ;  .  .  . 
my  afflictions  are  precisely  the  kind  my  soul  needed. 

.  .  I  receive  from  my  dear  friends  the  Masons,  every 
possible  kindness.  But  alas !  the  hours  of  loneliness 
and  bitter  weeping  I  endure,  are  known  only  to  God. 
But  still  Jesus  has  sweetened  the  cup,  and  I  would  not 
that  it  should  have  passed  my  lip." 

Three  courses  of  life  were  now  open  to  Mrs.  Board- 
man.  Either  to  devote  herself  to  her  domestic  duties, 
manage  her  household,  educate  her  darling  boy,  and 
in  quiet  seclusion  pass  the  weary  days  of  her  widow- 
hood ;  or — looking  abroad  on  the  spiritual  wants  of 
the  people  around  her,  knowing  that  if  one  devoted 
laborer  was  gone  there  was  the  more  need  of  activity 
in  those  that  remained, — she  might  continue  to  employ 
her  time  and  faculties  in  instructing  and  elevating 
those  in  whose  service  her  husband  had  worn  out  his 
life ;  or,  thirdly,  she  might  take  her  child,  her  "  only 
one,"  and  return  to  the  land  of  her  birth,  where  she 
still  had  dear  parents,  brothers  and  sisters,  who  would 
welcome  her  with  open  arms,  and  where  she  could  give 
her  son  those  advantages  which  he  never  could  have 
in  a  heathen  land.  To  adopt  e'ther  the  first  or  the 

19  M 


290  LIFE  OF  SARAH   B.   JUDSON. 

last  of  these  courses,  she  was  urged  by  .her  natural 
disposition,  which  was  singularly  modest  and  retiring, 
her  feeble  health,  the  enervating  influence  of  the  cli- 
mate, and  above  all  by  the  strong  tendency  to  self-in- 
dulgence which  always  accompanies  a  heart-rending 
sorrow.  "  But  oh,"  she  says  in  a  letter  to  a  friend, 
"  these  poor,  inquiring  and  Christian  Karens,  and  the 
school-boys,  and  the  Burmese  Christians"  .  .  .  and 
the  thought  of  these  made  her  more  than  willing  to 
adopt  the  second  course ;  for  she  says,  "  My  beloved 
husband  wore  out  his  life  in  this  glorious  cause ;  and 
that  remembrance  makes  me  more  than  ever  attached 
to  the  work  and  the  people  for  whose  salvation  he 
labored  till  death." 

During  her  husband's  life-time,  Mrs.  Boardman  had 
of  course  little  to  perform  of  what  could  properly  be 
called  missionary  labor;  even  her  teaching  in  the 
schools  was  very  often  interrupted  by  sickness,  and 
the  schools  themselves  were  often  broken  up  by  unto- 
ward  events  which  the  Missionaries  could  not  control. 
Now,  however,  new  circumstances  called  her  to  new 
and  untried  duties.  Yet  there  was  no  sudden  or 
violent  change  in  her  mode  of  life.  The  honored  lips 
that  had  instructed,  and  guided,  and  comforted  the 
ignorant  natives,  were  sealed  in  death ;  yet  still  those 
natives  continued  to  turn  their  eyes  and  their  steps  to 
the  loved  residence  of  their  teacher  whenever  they 


LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  291 

found  themselves  oppressed  with  difficulty  or  distress ; 
and  could  the  widow  of  that  venerated  teacher  refuse 
to  those  poor  disciples  any  guidance  or  consolation  it 
was  in  her  power  to  bestow?  No;  quietly  and  meekly 
she  instructed  the  ignorant,  consoled  the  afflicted,  led 
inquirers  to  her  Saviour,  and  warned  the  impenitent 
to  flee  to  him ;  and  if  insensibly  she  thus  came  to  fill 
a  place  from  which  her  nature  would  instinctively 
have  shrunk,  there  was  still  about  her  such  a  modest 
and  womanly  grace,  combined  with  such  a  serious  and 
dignified  purpose  of  soul,  that  the  most  fastidious  could 
have  found  nothing  to  censure,  while  lovers  of  the 
cause  she  bad  espoused,  found  everything  to  commend. 
"  I  rejoice,"  writes  a  friend  in  this  country  to  her,  on 
hearing  of  her  self-sacrificing  labors,  "  that  your  hus- 
band's mantle  has  fallen  upon  you  .  .  .  and  that  more 
than  ever  before,  it  is  in  your  heart  to  benefit  the 
heathen." 

That  her  duties  were  arduous,  her  letters  fully  prove. 
In  one  of  them  she  says,  "Every  moment  of  my  time 
is  occupied  from  sunrise  till  ten  in  the  evening.  It 
is  late-bed  time,  and  I  am  surrounded  by  five  Karen 
women,  three  of  whom  arrived  this  afternoon  from  the 
jungle,  after  being  separated  from  us  nearly  five 
months  by  the  heavy  rains.  The  Karens  are  begin- 
ning to  come  to  us  in  companies ;  and  with  them,  and 
our  scholars  in  the  town,  and  the  care  of  my  darling 


292  LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSOTT. 

boy,  you  will  scarce  think  I  have  much  leisure  for 
Setter-writing." 

Thus  she  toiled  on,  cheered  by  the  consciousness 
that  she  was  in  the  path  of  duty:  that  her  husband  if 
permitted  from  his  home  in  heaven  to  watch  over  the 
spot  he  most  loved  on  earth,  would  smile  approvingly 
on  her  labors;  and  encouraged  by  the  affection  of 
many  of  the  disciples,  and  the  interest  awakened 
among  some  new  inquirers. 

But  it  cannot  be  doubted  that  her  trials  were  at 
least  equal  to  her  encouragements.  Long  before,  Mr. 
Boardman  had  written,  "the  thoughts  of  this  people," 
the  Burmans,  "run  in  channels  entirely  different  from 
ours.  Their  whole  system  has  a  tendency  to  cramp 
their  intellectual  powers; — professedly  divine  in*  its 
origin,  it  demands  credence  without  'evidence;  it 
spurns  improvement,  disdains  the  suggestions  of  expe- 
rience, and  flatly  denies  the  testimony  of  the  external 
senses.  What  a  man  sees  with  his  own  eyes  he  is  not 
to  believe,  because  his  Scriptures  teach  otherwise.  .  .  . 
There  is  no  fellowship  of  thought  between  them  and 
us  on  any  subject.  Everything  appears  to  them  in  a 
different  light,  they  attribute  everything  to  a  different 
cause,  seek  a  remedy  of  evils  from  a  different  quarter, 
and  entertain,  in  fine,  a  set  of  thoughts  and  imagina- 
.ions  totally  different  from  ours."  The  Karens,  it  is 
'rue,  had  fewer  prejudices  to  be  eradicated,  and  more 


LIFE  OP  SARAH  B.  JUDSON.  295 

easily  sympathized  with  the  missionaries  than  the 
haughty,  self-sufficient  Burmans ;  but  then  their  very 
docility  made  them  liable  to  another  danger,  that  of 
holding  their  new  faith  lightly,  and  parting  with  it 
easily.  All  these  difficulties  sometimes  so  pressed 
upon  Mrs.  Boardman,  that  she  was  ready  to  say,  "It 
requires  the  patience  of  a  Job  and  the  wisdom  of  a 
Solomon  to  get  on  with  this  people ;  much  as  I  love 
them,  and  good  as  I  think  they  are."  She  then  spoke 
of  the  converts;  in  whom  was  implanted  that  grace 
which,  so  far  as  it  operates  on  the  heart,  makes  all,  in 
a  sense,  one  in  Christ  Jesus ;  how  then  must  she  have 
been  tried  with  those  who  would  not  repent  and  em- 
brace the  only  principles  that  could  give  her  the  least 
fellowship  or  communion  with  them  ? 

Jan.  19,  1832. — Mrs.  Boardman  writes  of  herself 
and  her  fellow-missionaries,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mason,  "We 
meet  with  much  encouragement  in  our  schools,  and 
our  number  of  day-scholars  is  now  about  eighty. 
These,  with  the  boarding  schools,  two  village  schools, 
and  about  fifty  persons  who  learn  during  the  rainy 
season,  in  the  Karen  jungle,  make  upwards  of  one 
hundred  and  seventy  under  our  instruction.  The 
scholars  in  the  jungle  cannot  of  course  visit  us  often ; 
but  a  great  many  have  come  to  be  examined  in  their 
lessons,  and  we  are  surprised  and  delighted  at  the  pro- 
gress they  have  made." 


294  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON". 

Of  course  they  had  to  employ,  as  teachers  of  these 
schools,  natives,  who  needed  constant  supervision  and 
superintendence.  Some  of  these  teachers  were  ex- 
ceedingly interesting  persons.  Of  the  death  of  one  of 
them  she  writes,  "Thah-oung  continued  in  his  school 
till  two  days  before  his  death,  although  for  a  long  time 
he  had  been  very  ill.  He  felt,  then,  that  he  must  die, 
and  said  to  his  scholars,  'I  can  do  no  more — God  is 
calling  me  away  from  you, — I  go  into  His  presence — • 
be  not  dismayed.'  He  was  then  carried  to  the  house 
of  his  father,  a  few  miles  distant,  and  there  he  continu- 
ed exhorting  and  praying  to  the  very  last  moment. 
His  widow,  who  is  not  yet  fifteen,  is  one  of  the  loveliest 
of  our  desert  blossoms."  And  afterwards  in  alluding 
to  the  same  event,  she  says,  "  One  of  our  best  Karen 
teachers  came  to  see  us,  and  through  him  we  heard 
that  the  disciples  were  well;  that  they  were  living  ip 
love,  in  the  enjoyment  of  religion,  and  had  nothing  to 
distress  them,  but  the  death  of  their  beloved  teacher. 
Poor  Moung  Quay  was  obliged  to  turn  away  his  face 
to  weep  several  times  while  answering  my  inquiries. 
Oh  how  they  feel  the  stroke  that  has  fallen  upon- them  : 
And  well  they  may,  for  he  was  to  them  a  father  and  a 
guide." 

"  The  superintendence  of  the  food  and  clothing  of 
both  the  boarding  schools,"  she  afterwards  writes,  "to- 
gether with  the  care  of  five  day-schools  under  native 


LIFE  OP  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  295 

teachers,  devolves  wholly  on  me.  Our  day-schools 
are  growing  every  week  more  and  more  interesting. 
We  cannot,  it  is  true,  expect  to  see  among  them  so 
much  progress,  especially  in  Christianity,  as  our  board- 
ers make;  but  they  are  constantly  gaining  religious 
knowledge,  and  will  grow  up  with  comparatively  cor- 
rect ideas.  They  with  their  teachers  attend  worship 
regularly  on  Lord's-day.  The  day-schools  are  entirely 
supported  at  present  by  the  Honorable  Company's  al- 
lowance, and  the  civil  commissioner,  Mr.  Maingy, 
appears  much  interested  in  their  success." 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

CORRESPONDENCE   BETWEEN   MRS.   BOARDMAN  AND  THE  SUPERINTENDENT. 

HEB   TOURS  AMONG    THE   KARENS. HER    PERSONAL    APPEARANCE. 

HER     ACQUAINTANCE    WITH    THE     BURMAN     LANGUAGE. DR.     JUDSON's 

TRANSLATION    OF    THE    BIBLE. 

AN  interesting  letter  from  the  gentleman  mentioned 
at  the  close  of  the  last  chapter,  with  Mrs.  Boardman's 
reply,  we  will  give  entire,  as  they  exhibit  at  once  her 
firmness  of  principle,  and  the  high  respect  she  com- 
manded from  the  European  residents  in  the  country. 

"Tavoy,  Aug.  24,  1833. 
"  MY  DEAR  SIB, 

"  Mr.  Mason  has  handed  me  for  perusal,  the  extract 
from  your  letter  to  Government,  which  you  kindly 
sent  him.  I  apprehend  I  have  hitherto  had  wrong  im- 
pressions in  reference  to  the  ground  on  which  the 
Honorable  Company  patronize  schools  in  their  terri- 
tories; and  I  hope  you  will  allow  me  to  say,  that  it 
would  not  accord  with  my  feelings  and  sentiments,  to 
banish  religious  instruction  from  the  schools  under  my 
care.  I  think  it  desirable  for  the  rising  generation  of 
this  Province,  to  become  acquainted  with  useful  sci- 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  297 

ence;  and  the  male  part  of  the  population,  with  the 
English  language.  But  it  is  infinitely  more  important 
that  they  receive  into  their  hearts  our  holy  religion, 
which  is  the  source  of  so  much  happiness  in  this  state, 
and  imparts  the  hope  of  a  glorious  immortality  in  the 
world  to  come.  Parents  and  guardians  must  know, 
that  there  is  more  or  less  danger  of  their  children 
deserting  the  faith  of  their  ancestors,  if  placed  under 
the  care  of  a  Foreign  Missionary;  and  the  example  of 
some  of  the  pupils  is  calculated  to  increase  such  appre- 
hensions. Mr.  Boai-dman  baptized  into  the  Christian 
religion  several  of  his  scholars.  One  of  the  number  is 
now  a  devoted  preacher;  and  notwithstanding  the 
decease  of  their  beloved  and  revered  teacher,  they  all, 
with  one  unhappy  exception,  remain  firm  in  the  Chris- 
tian faith. 

"  The  success  of  the  Hindoo  College,  where  religious 
instruction  was  interdicted,  may  perhaps  be  urged  in 
favor  of  pursuing  a  similar  course  in  schools  here. 
But  it  strikes  me,  that  the  case  is  different  here,  even 
admitting  their  course  to  be  right.  The  overthrow  of 
a  system  so  replete  with  cruel  and  impure  rites,  as  the 
Hindoo,  or  so  degrading  as  the  Mahometan,  might  be 
matter  of  joy,  though  no  better  religion  were  intro- 
duced in  its  stead.  But  the  Burman  system  of  mo- 
rality is  superior  to  that  of  the  nations  round  them, 

and  to  the  heathen  of  ancient  times,  and  is  surpassed 

M* 


298  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 

only  by  the  divine  precepts  of  our  blessed  Saviour. 
Like  all  other  merely  human  institutions,  it  is  destitute 
of  saving  power;  but  its  influence  on  the  people,  so 
far  as  it  is  felt,  is  salutary,  and  their  moral  character 
will,  I  should  think,  bear  a  comparison  with  that  of 
any  heathen  nation  in  the  world.  The  person  who 
should  spend  his  days  in  teaching  them  mere  human 
science,  (though  he  might  undermine  their  false  tenets,) 
by  neglecting  to  set  before  them  brighter  hopes  and 
purer  principles,  would,  I  imagine,  live  to  very  little 
purpose.  For  myself,  sure  I  am,  I  should  at  last  suffer 
the  overwhelming  conviction  of  having  labored  in 
vain. 

"With  this  view  of  things,  you  will  not,  my  dear 
sir,  be  surprised  at  my  saying,  it  is  impossible  for  me 
to  pursue  a  course  so  utterly  repugnant  to  my  feelings, 
and  so  contrary  to  my  judgment,  as  to  banish  religious 
instruction  from  the  schools  in  my  charge.  It  is  what 
I  am  confident  you  yourself  would  not  wish ;  but  I 
infer  from  a  remark  in  your  letter  that  such  are  the 
terms  on  which  Government  affords  patronage.  It 
would  be  wrong  to  deceive  the  patrons  of  the  schools ; 
and  if  my  supposition  is  correct,  I  can  do  no  otherwise 
than  request,  that  the  monthly  allowance  be  with- 
drawn. It  will  assist  in  establishing  schools  at  Maul- 
main,  on  a  plan  more  consonant  with  the  wishes  of 
Government  than  mine  has  ever  been.  Meanwhile, 


LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON.  299 

I  trust,  I  shall  be  able  to  represent  the  claims  of  my 
pupils  in  such  a  manner,  as  to  obtain   support  and 
countenance  from  those,  who  would  wish  the  children 
to  be  taught  the  principles  of  the  Christian  faith. 
"  Allow  me,  my  dear  sir,  to  subscribe  myself, 
"  Yours,  most  respectfully, 

"SARAH  H.  BOARDMAN." 

"My  DEAR  MADAM, 

"I  cannot  do  otherwise  than  honor  and  respect  the 
sentiments  conveyed  in  your  letter,  now  received. 
You  will,  I  hope,  give  me  credit  for  sincerity,  when  I 
assure  you,  that  in  alluding  to  the  system  of  instruc- 
tion pursued  by  you,  it  has  ever  been  a  source  of  pride 
to  me,  to  point  out  the  quiet  way,  in  which  your 
scholars  have  been  made  acquainted  with  the  Christian 
religion.  My  own  Government  in  no  way  proscribes 
the  teaching  of  Christianity.  The  observations  in  my 
official  letter  are  intended  to  support  what  I  have 
before  brought  to  the  notice  of  Government,  that  all 
are  received,  who  present  themselves  for  instruction 
at  your  schools,  without  any  stipulation  as  to  their 
becoming  members  of  the  Christian  faith. 

I  cannot  express  to  you  how  much  your  letter  has 
distressed  me.  It  has  been  a  subject  of  considera- 
tion with  me,  for  some  months  past,  how  I  could  best 
succeed  in  establishing  a  college  here,  the  scholars  of 


300  LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

which  were  to  have  been  instructed  in  the  same  system,, 
which  you  have  so  successfully  pursued.     Believe  me, 
"Yours  very  faithfully, 

"A.  D.  MAINGY 
"Saturday." 

Appropriations  were  afterward  made  by  the  British 
government  for  schools  throughout  the  Provinces  "  to 
be  conducted  on  the  plan  of  Mrs.  Boardman's  schools 
at  Tavoy;"  and  although  the  propagation  of  Chris- 
tianity in  the  other  schools  was  subsequently  prohibit- 
ed, yet  in  her  own,  she  always  taught  as  her  conscience 
dictated. 

It  had  been  one  of  Mr.  Boardman's  practices  to 
make  frequent  tours  among  the  Karen  villages,  to 
preach  the  gospel,  and  strengthen  the  disciples  and 
the  feeble  churches.  Even  from  this  duty,  as  far  as 
the  visitation  was  concerned,  his  widow  did  not  shrink, 
although  she  did  shrink  from  writing  or  speaking  much 
on  the  subject ;  doubtless  always  regarding  it  as  a 
cross,  which  although  she  might  bear  with  patience,  she 
would  willingly  lay  down  as  soon  as  duty  should  per- 
mit. Attended  by  her  faithful  Karens,  and  her  little 
boy  borne  in  their  arms, — leaving  Mr.  Mason  to  his 
indispensable  task  of  acquiring  the  language,  she 
would  thread  the  wild  passes  of  the  mountains,  and  the 
obscure  paths  of  the  jungle,  fording  the  smaller  streams 


LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  301 

and  carried  over  the  larger  in  a  chair  borne  on  bamboo 
poles  by  her  followers, — carrying  joy  and  gladness  to 
the  hearts  of  the  simple-minded  villagers,  and  cheering 
her  own  by  witnessing  their  constancy  and  fidelity. 

In  her  own  inimitable  style  "Fanny  Forrester"  gives 
an  account  of  an  adventure  of  Mrs.  Boardman  during 
one  of  these  excursions ;  in  which  the  impression  she 
made  upon  an  English  officer  who  encountered  her 
far  from  civilized  habitations,  so  unexpectedly  that  he 
almost  mistook  her  for  an  angel  visitant  from  a  better 
sphere,  was  sufficiently  pleasant  to  form  the  basis  of  a 
lasting  friendship  between  them.  Indeed  there  are 
many  testimonials  to  Mrs.  Boardman's  personal  loveli- 
ness and  grace  of  manner.  In  Calcutta,  where  she 
resided  nearly  two  years,  she  was  regarded  as  a 
"finished  lady;"  and  in  a  well- written  tribute  to  her 
memory,  published  in  the  Mother's  Journal,  she  is  de- 
scribed as  "of  about  middle  stature,  agreeable  in  per- 
sonal appearance,  and  winning  in  manners.  The  first 
impression  of  an  observer  respecting  her  in  her  youth, 
would  be  of  a  gentle,  confiding,  persuasive  being,  who 
would  sweeten  the  cup  of  life  to  those  who  drank  it 
with  her.  But  further  acquaintance  would  develop 
strength  as  well  as  loveliness  of  character.  It  would 
be  seen  that  she  could  do  and  endure,  as  well  as  love 
and  please.  Sweetness  and  strength,  gentleness  and 
firmness,  were  in  her  character  most  happily  blended 


802  LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 

Her  mind  was  both  poetical  and  practical.  She  had 
a  refined  taste,  and  a  love  for  the  beautiful  as  well  as 
the  excellent."  But  all  these  fine  gifts  and  endow- 
ments were  consecrated  ;  the  offering  she  had  made 
on  her  Saviour's  altar  was  unreserved^  nor  do  we  find 
that  she  ever  cast  back  to  the  world  where  she  might 
have  shone  so  brilliantly,  "one  longing,  lingering  look." 

She  is  said  by  her  fellow  Missionaries  to  have  made 
wonderful  proficiency  in  the  Burman  language,  and 
indeed  she  translated  into  it  Bunyan's  Pilgrim's  Pro- 
gress. She  loved  the  language  much;  and  used  to 
read  the  Scriptures  in  it  in  preference  to  reading  them 
in  English.  She  once  said  to  Mrs.  Mason,  "I  should 
be  willing  to  learn  Burmese,  for  the  sake  of  reading 
the  Scriptures  in  that  language." 

The  translation  of  the  Scriptures  into  Burmese  is  a 
work  for  which  Burmah  is  indebted  to  Dr.  Judson. 
For  many  years  this  devoted  servant  of  Christ  em- 
ployed on  this  great  work  every  moment  he  could 
spare  from  pastoral  labor;  and  there  is  something  truly 
sublime  in  the  record  he  has  left  of  the  completion 
of  it,  in  his  Journal  under  date  of  Jan.  31,  1834: 
"THANKS  BE  TO  GOD,  I  CAN  NOW  SAY,  I  HAVE  ATTAINED! 
I  have  knelt  down  before  him,  with  the  last  leaf  in  my 
hand,  and  imploring  his  forgiveness  for  all  the  sins 
which  have  polluted  my  labors  in  this  department,  and 
his  aid  in  future  efforts  to  remove  the  errors  and  im- 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  303 

perfections  which  necessarily  cleave  to  the  work,  I 
have  commended  it  to  his  mercy  and  grace;  I  have 
dedicated  it  to  his  glory.  May  he  make  his  own  in- 
spired word,  now  complete  in  the  Burman  tongue,  the 
grand  instrument  of  filling  all  Burmah  with  songs  and 
praises  to  our  great  God  and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ! 
Amen." 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

MRS.  BOARDMAN'S  SECOND  MARRIAGE. — REMOVAL  TO  MAULMAIN. — -LETTER 
FROM  MRS.  JUDSON. HER  SON  SENT  TO  AMERICA. HER  HUSBAND'S 

ILLNESS. 

ON  the  tenth  of  April,  1834,  Mrs.  Boardman  was 
married  to  one  whose  character  she  afterwards  declar- 
ed to  be  "a  complete  assemblage  of  all  that  woman 
could  wish  to  love  and  honor,"  the  Rev.  Dr.  Judson, 
With  him  she  removed  to  her  new  home  in  Maulmain, 
which  had  undergone  wonderful  changes  since  she 
left  it  in  1828.  Then,  the  only  church  there  had  three 
native  members ;  now  she  found  there  three  churches 
numbering  two  hundred  members!  Her  duties  now 
were  different  from  what  they  had  been,  but  not  less 
important ;  and  in  a  letter  written  to  a  very  intimate 
friend  one  year  after  her  marriage,  we  find  her  thus 
expressing  herself:  "I  can  truly  say  that  the  mission 
cause,  and  missionary  labor  is  increasingly  dear  to  me, 
every  month  of  my  life.  I  am  now  united  with  one 
whose  heavenly  spirit  and  example  is  deeply  calculated 
to  make  me  more  devoted  to  the  cause  than  I  ever 
have  been  before.  O  that  I  may  profit  by  such  pre- 
cious advantages." 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JI7DSON.  305 

Many  Missionaries  had  arrived  from  America  and 
established  themselves  in  different  places ;  several  re- 
sided at  Maulmain ;  so  that  Mrs.  Judson,  as  we  must 
now  call  her,  could  enjoy  much  Christian  society  be- 
sides that  of  the  natives.  But  neither  she  nor  her 
fellow-laborers  had  much  time  to  devote  exclusively  to 
social  intercourse.  Beside  schools  to  superintend,  and 
Bible-classes  to  conduct,  and  prayer-meetings  to  at- 
tend, societies  were  to  be  formed  among  the  half-edu- 
cated native  females  in  which  they  could  be  instructed 
in  maternal  and  social  duties.  In  addition  to  these 
cares,  Mrs.  Judson  took  upon  herself  the  task  of  ac- 
quiring a  new  language,  in  order  to  instruct  the  Pe- 
guans,  a  people  who  had  put  themselves  under  the 
protection  of  the  British,  after  revolting  against  the 
Burmans.  This  people  were  so  numerous  in  Maulmain, 
that  the  missionaries  felt  constrained  to  furnish  them 
with  instruction. 

Under  these  labors,  Mrs.  Judson's  health  again  failed 
but  after  some  weeks  of  suffering,  she  began  to  recover, 
and  for  many  subsequent  years  her  health  was  unin- 
terrupted. In  a  letter  written  some  time  after,  she 
accounts  for  her  enjoyment  of  health,  in  the  following 
manner : — 

"  When  I  first  came  up  from  Tavoy,  I  was  thin  and 
pale ;  and  though  I  called  myself  pretty  well,  I  had  no 
appetite  for  food,  and  was  scarce  able  to  walk  half  a 
20 


306  LIFE  OP  SAKAH  B.   JUDSOK 

mile.  S%on  after,  I  was  called  to  endure  a  long  and 
severe  attack  of  illness,  which  brought  me  to  the  brink 
of  the  grave.  I  was  never  so  low  in  any  former 
illness,  and  the  doctor  who  attended  me,  has  since  told 
me,  that  he  had  no  hope  of  my  recovery ;  and  that 
when  he  came  to  prescribe  medicine  for  me,  it  was 
more  out  of  regard  to  the  feelings  of  my  husband,  than 
from  any  prospect  of  its  affording  me  relief.  T  lay 
confined  to  my  bed,  week  after  week,  unable  to  move, 
except  as  Mr.  Judson  sometimes  carried  me  in  his 
arms  from  the  bed  to  the  couch  for  a  change ;  and 
even  this  once  brought  on  a  return  of  the  disease, 
which  very  nearly  cost  me  my  life.  *  *  I  never  shall 
forget  the  precious  seasons  enjoyed  on  that  sick  bed. 
Little  George  will  tell  you  about  it,  if  you  should  ever 
see  him.  I  think  he  will  always  remember  some 
sweet  conversations  I  had  with  him,  on  the  state  of 
his  soul,  at  that  time.  Dear  child !  his  mind  was  very 
tender,  and  he  would  weep  on  account  of  his  sins,  and 
would  kneel  down  and  pray  with  all  the  fervor  and 
simplicity  of  childhood.  He  used  to  read  the  Bible  to 
me  every  day,  and  commit  little  hymns  to  memory  by 
my  bedside.  *  *  It  pleased  my  Heavenly  Father  to 
raise  me  up  again,  although  I  was  for  a  long  time  very 
weak.  As  soon  as  I  was  able,  I  commenced  riding 
on  horseback,  and  used  to  take  a  long  ride  every 
morning  before  sunrise.  After  a  patient  trial,  I  found 


LIFE  OF  SAKAH  B.   JUDSON".  307 

that  riding  improved  my  health;  though 'many  times 
I  should  have  become  discouraged  and  given  it  up, 
but  for  the  perseverance  of  my  husband.  After  riding 
almost  every  day,  for  four  or  five  months,  I  found  my 
health  so  much  improved,  and  gained  strength  so  fast, 
that  I  began  to  think  walking  might  be  substituted. 
About  this  time,  my  nice  little  pony  died,  and  we  com- 
menced a  regular  system  of  exercise  on  foot,  walking 
at  a  rapid  pace,  far  over  the  hills  beyond  the  town, 
before  the  sun  was  up,  every  morning.  We  have 
continued  this  perseveringly  up  to  the  present  time ; 
and,  during  these  years,  my  health  has  been  better 
than  at  any  time  previous,  since  my  arrival  in  India ; 
and  my  constitution  seems  to  have  undergone  an  en- 
tire renovation." 

In  "  Burmah  proper,"  that  is,  that  part  of  Burmah 
not  under  British  government,  the  native  Christians 
enjoyed  no  toleration  from  the  Government,  and  often 
suffered  bitterly ;  but  in  Maulmain,  and  other  places 
in  British  Burmah,  religion  flourished,  and  converts 
were  multiplied.  Mr.  Vinton,  (a  new  missionary,) 
preached  with  great  power  in  the  Karen  churches,  and 
that  people,  says  Mrs.  Judson,  "  flocked  into  the  king- 
dom by  scores."  Mr.  Judson  was  revising  his  trans- 
lation of  the  Bible, — a  task  of  five  years'  duration,— 
and  preaching  to  the  Burmese  church ;  while  Mrs.  J 
instructed  in  the  schools  and  translated  into  Peguan 


308  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSOtf. 

such  tracts  as  were  thought  most  calculated  to  ac- 
quaint that  people  with  Christian  doctrine.  She  after- 
wards translated  into  that  language  the  N  nv  Testa- 
ment and  the  Life  of  Christ ;  but  on  the  arrival  of 
Mr.  Haswell,  she  gave  up  to  him  all  her  books  and 
papers  in  this  language,  and  only  attended  to  it  in 
ruture  so  far  as  to  assist  him  in  his  studies. 

Of  the  severest  trial  to  which  Mrs.  Judson  was 
called  during  the  remainder  of  her  life  she  gives  an 
account  in  the  following  eloquent  words :  "  After  de- 
liberation, accompanied  with  tears,  and  agony  and 
prayers,  I  came  to  the  conviction  that  it  was  my  duty 
to  send  away  my  only  child,  my  darling  George,  and 
yesterday  he  bade  me  a  long  farewell.  .  .  .  Oh  I  shall 
never  forget  his  looks,  as  he  stood  by  the  door,  and 
gazed  at  me  for  the  last  time.  His  eyes  were  filling 
with  tears,  and  his  little  face  red  with  suppressed 
emotion.  But  he  subdued  his  feelings,  and  it  was 
not  till  he  had  turned  away,  and  was  going  down 
the  steps  that  he  burst  into  a  flood  of  tears.  I  hur- 
ried to  my  room  ;  and  on  my  knees,  with  my  whole 
heart  gave  him  up  to  God;  and  my  bursting  heart 
was  comforted  from  above.  .  .  .  My  reason  and  judg- 
ment tell  me  that  the  good  of  my  child  requires  that 
he  should  be  sent  to  America  ;  and  this  of  itself  would 
support  me  in  some  little  degree  ;  but  when  I  view  it 
as  a  sacrifice,  made  for  the  sake  of  Jesus,  it  becomes  a 


LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON.  309 

delightful  privilege.  ...  I  cannot  but  hope  he  wil1 
one  day  return  to  Burmah,  a  missionary  of  the  cross, 
as  his  dear  father  was.  .  .  .  This  is  in  some  respects 
the  severest  trial  I  ever  met  with." 

It  would  be  delightful  to  accompany  the  dear  boy 
in  his  perilous  journey  to  the  Father-land,  and  to 
transcribe  the  yearning  and  affectionate  letters  of  his 
mother,  both  to  him,  and  to  those  to  whose  charge 
he  was  entrusted — they  could  not  but  heighten  our 
opinion  of  her  excellence  in  the  maternal  relation, 
as  well  as  of  the  great  sensibility  of  her  heart ;  but 
we  are  warned  that  our  pages  are  swelling  to  too 
great  a  number.  Ours  is  but  a  sketch,  an  outline  ; 
those  who  would  see  the  full  length  portrait  of  our 
heroine,  must  consult  the  glowing  canvass  of  her  bio- 
grapher and  successor,  "  Fanny  Forrester." 

Her  next  trial  was,  to  see  her  beloved  husband 
suffering  with  a  severe  cough,  which  she  feared  would 
end  in  pulmonary  consumption.  To  avert  this  dreaded 
result,  he  was  obliged  to  leave  her  and  try  a  long  sea- 
voyage.  The  account  of  their  parting,  and  her  touch- 
ing letters  during  his  absence  would  greatly  enrich 
our  little  sketch,  had  we  room  to  copy  them.  We 
must  find  a  place  for  one  short  extract  from  the 
letters. 

"  Your  little  daughter  and  I  have  been  praying  for 
you  this  evening.  ...  At  times  the  sweet  hope  that 


810  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 

you  will  soon  return,  restored  to  perfect  health,  buoy* 
up  my  spirit,  but  perhaps  you  will  find  it  necessary  to 
go  farther,  a  necessity  from  which  I  cannot  but  shrink 
with  doubt  and  dread  ;  or  you  may  come  back  only  to 
die  with  me.  This  last  agonizing  thought  crushes  me 
down  in  overwhelming  sorrow.  I  hope  I  do  not  feel 
unwilling  that  our  Heavenly  Father  should  do  as  he 
thinks  best  with  us ;  but  my  heart  shrinks  from  the 
prospect  of  living  in  this  dark,  sinful,  friendless  world, 
without  you.  .  .  .  But  the  most  satisfactory  view  is 
to  look  away  to  that  blissful  world,  where  separations 
are  unknown.  There,  my  beloved  Judson,  we  shall 
surely  meet  each  other ;  and  we  shall  also  meet  many 
loved  ones  who  have  gone  before  us  to  that  haven  of 
rest." 

Her  fears  were  not  realized  ;  in  a  few  months  Mr 
Judson  was  restored  to  her  and  the  suffering  mission 
cause,  in  greatly  improved  health. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

ILLNESS  OF   HER  CHILDREN.-  -DEATH   OF  ONE  OF   THEM. HER    MISSIONARY 

LABORS,    AND     FAMILY    CARES. HER    DECLINING   HEALTH. POEM. HEB 

LAST   ILLNESS    AND    DEATH. 

THE  seventh  year  of  her  marriage  with  Mr.  Judson, 
was  a  year  of  peculiar  trial  to  Mrs.  J.  All  her  four 
children  were  attacked  by  whooping-cough  followed 
by  one  of  the  diseases  of  the  climate,  with  which  she 
also  was  so  violently  afflicted  that  her  life  was  for  a 
time  despaired  of.  She  felt  sure,  as  she  afterwards 
said,  that  her  hour  of  release  was  come,  that  her 
master  was  calling  her ;  and  she  blessed  God  that  she 
was  entirely  willing  to  leave  all,  and  go  to  him.  The 
only  hope  of  recovery  for  any  of  them  was  a  sea- 
voyage,  and  they  embarked  for  Bengal,  but  their 
passage  was  stormy,  and  they  derived  little  benefit 
from  their  stay  at  Serampore,  where  they  had  taken 
up  their  residence.  A  voyage  to  the  Mauritius  was 
recommended,  and  the  alarming  situation  of  three  of 
the  children,  as  well  as  Mrs.  Judson's  feeble  state,  de- 
termined them  to  try  it.  But  before  they  embarked,  it 
was  her  melancholy  lot  to  lay  one  of  her  darlings  in 


312  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

the  grave,  and  he,  the  very  one  about  whose  health 
she  had  felt  the  least  uneasiness.  He  sleeps,  says  his 
mother,  in  the  mission  burial-ground,  where  moulders 
the  dust  of  Carey,  Marshman  and  Ward.  Her  tears  at 
his  burial  flowed  not  only  for  him  that  was  dead,  but 
for  another  who  she  expected  would  soon  follow  him 
To  avert  this  calamity  she  hastened  her  voyage , 
which  though  fearfully  tempestuous,  proved  beneficial 
to  the  sufferers,  and  after  a  short  sojourn  in  ihe  soft 
climate  of  the  Isle  of  France,  the  family  returned  to 
their  home  in  Maulmain,  restored,  with  the  exception 
of  one  son,  to  sound  health.  This  son,  who  bore  the 
name  of  his  father,  was  called  by  the  natives  Pwen, 
which  signifies  "  a  flower,"  a  name  adopted  by  his 
parents.  After  a  long  illness  he  too  was  restored  to 
health. 

Mrs.  Judson's  labors  during  the  latter  part  of  her 
life,  are  recorded  by  her  husband ;  and  it  may  well  ex- 
cite the  wonder  of  those  women  who  consider  the 
care  of  their  own  families  a  sufficient  task,  that  she 
could  find  time  and  strength  for  such  an  amount  of 
labor.  It  has  been  said  that  her  translation  of  Bun- 
yan's  Pilgrim's  Progress  is  a  work  worth  living  for. 
Her  husband  says,  "  It  is  one  of  the  best  pieces  of 
composition  we  have  published."  She  also  translated 
a  tract  written  by  her  husband  ;  edited  a  "  Chapel 
hvmn  book,"  and  furnished  for  it  twenty  of  its  best 


LIFE   OF  SAEAH  B.  JUDSON.  313 

hymns ;  and  published  four  volumes  of  Scripture  Ques- 
tions for  use  in  the  Sabbath  Schools.  When  we  con- 
sider that  she  was  the  mother  of  a  rapidly  increasing 
family ;  and  the  head  of  an  establishment,  which  like 
all  in  the  East  require  constant  and  vigilant  superin- 
tendence ;  and  that  she  was  exemplary  in  the  dis- 
charge of  her  maternal  and  domestic  duties,  we  are 
led  to  fancy  she  must  have  possessed  some  secret 
charm  by  which  she  could  stay  the  hurrying  feet  of 
time ;  and  "  hold  the  fleet  angel  fast  until  he  blessed 
her."  Such  a  secret  was  her  untiring  zeal,  which 
prompted  an  incessant  industry.  The  sands  of  time 
are  indeed  numerous,  and  when  each  is  valued  as 
a  sparkling  treasure,  they  form  a  rich  hoard,  laid  up 
where  neither  moth  nor  rust  corrupt ;  but  if  we  let 
them  escape  unheeded,  or  sit  and  idly  watch  their 
flow,  and  even  shake  the  glass  to  hasten  it,  they  will 
gather  into  a  millstone  weight  to  sink  us  in  endless, 
unavailing  regret.  Though  she  is  dead,  Mrs.  Judson's 
works  still  live  ;  and  generation  after  generation  of 
Burmans  will  associate  her  name  with  that  of  her 
honored  husband,  as  benefactors  to  their  race. 

In  December,  1844,  the  health  of  Mrs.  Judson  began 
to  decline.  Her  anxious  husband,  determined  to  leave 
no  means  untried,  to  save  a  life  so  precious  to  the 
mission  and  so  invaluable  to  himself  and  his  family, 

decided  to  quit  for  a  while  his  loved  labors  in  Burmah 

N 


314  LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON. 

and  accompany  his  wife  to  America.  They  in  May 
1845  sailed,  and  on  reaching  the  Isle  of  France,  she 
found  herself  so  far  restored  that  she  could  no  longei 
conscientiously  detain  her  husband  from  his  duties  in 
India,  and  she  resolved  to  let  him  go  back  to  their 
home  there,  while  she  with  her  children,  should  com- 
plete the  journey  that  still  seemed  necessary  for  her 
entire  restoration.  One  of  the  sweetest  of  her  poems 
was  occasioned  by  this  resolution. 

"  We  part  on  this  green  islet,  Love, 

Thou  for  the  Eastern  main, 
I,  for  the  setting  sun,  Love — 
Oh,  when  to  meet  again  f 

My  heart  is  sad  for  thee,  Love, 

For  lone  thy  way  will  be ; 
And  oft  thy  tears  will  fall,  Love, 

For  thy  children  and  for  me. 

The  music  of  thy  daughter's  voico 

Thou'lt  miss  for  many  a  year ; 
And  the  merry  shout  of  thine  elder  boya, 

Thou'lt  list  in  vain  to  hear. 

When  we  knelt  to  see  our  Henry  die, 

And  heard  his  last  faint  moan, 
Each  wiped  the  tear  from  other's  eye— 

Now,  each  must  weep  alone. 

My  tears  fall  fast  for  thee,  Love, — 

How  can  I  say  farewell ! 
But  go ; — thy  God  be  with  thee,  LOVB, 

Thy  heart's  deep  grief  to  quell  1 


LIFE  OF  SARAH  B.   JUDSON.  315 

Yet  my  spirit  clings  to  thine,  Love, 

Thy  soul  remains  with  me, 
And  oft  we'll  hold  communion  sweet, 

O'er  the  dark  and  distant  sea. 

And  who  can  paint  our  mutual  joy, 

When,  all  our  wanderings  o'er, 
We  both  shall  clasp  our  infants  three, 

At  home,  on  Burmah's  shore. 

But  higher  shall  our  raptures  glow, 

On  yon  celestial  plain, 
When  the  loved  and  parted  here  below 

Meet,  ne'er  to  part  again. 

Then  gird  thine  armor  on,  Love, 

Nor  faint  thou  by  the  way, 
Till  Boodh  shall  fall,  and  Burmah's  sons 

Shall  own  Messiah's  sway." 

But  her  health  still  sinking,  her  husband  could  not 
leave  her,  and  she  was  borne  back  to  the  ship.  Her 
life  ebbed  away  so  rapidly,  that  he  feared  he  must 
consign  her  to  an  ocean  grave.  But  a  kind  Provi- 
dence ordered  it,  that  her  death  did  not  occur  till  the 
ship  anchored  at  St.  Helena.  Her  end  was  as  peace- 
ful as  her  life  had  been  consistent  and  exemplary. 

"  No  shade  of  doubt  or  fear,  or  anxiety  crossed  her 
mind."  So  writes  her  husband :  "  She  had  a  prevail- 
ing preference  to  depart  and  be  with  Christ.  I  am 
longing  to  depart!  she  would  say;  and  then  the  thought 
of  her  dear  native  land,  to  which  she  was  approaching 
after  an  absence  of  twenty  years,  and  a  longing  desire 


816  LIFE   OF  SARAH  B.  JUDSON. 

to  see  her  son  George,  her  parents,  and  the  friends  of 
her  youth,  would  draw  down  her  ascending  soul,  and 
constrain  her  to  say,  'lam  in  a  strait  betwixt  two;  the 
will  of  the  Lord  be  done.' 

"  In  regard  to  her  children  she  ever  manifested  the 
most  surprising  composure  and  resignation,  so  much 
so  that  I  was  once  constrained  to  say,  you  seem  to 
have  forgotten  the  dear  little  ones  we  have  left  behind. 
'  Can  a  mother  forget' — she  replied,  and  was  unable  to 
proceed.  During  her  last  days  she  spent  much  time 
in  praying  for  the  early  conversion  of  her  children. 

"On  the  evening  of  the  31st  of  August,  ...  I  sat 
alone  by  the  side  of  her  bed,  endeavoring  to  administer 
relief  to  the  distressed  body,  and  consolation  to  the 
departing  soul.  At  two  o'clock  in  the  morning,  wish- 
ing to  obtain  one  more  token  of  recognition,  I  roused 
her  attention  and  said,  'Do  you  still  love  the  Saviour?' 
'O  yes,'  she  replied,  'I  ever  love  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.' 
I  said  again,  '  Do  you  still  love  me  ?'  She  replied  in 
the  affirmative,  by  a  peculiar  expression  of  her  own. 
'  Then  give  me  one  more  kiss ;'  and  we  exchanged 
that  token  of  love  for  the  last  time.  Another  hour 
passed, — and  she  ceased  to  breathe." 

"  So  fades  the  summer  cloud  away ; 

So  sinks  the  gale  when  storms  are. o'er; 
So  gently  shuts  the  eye  of  day ; 
So  dies  the  wave  along  the  shore." 


LIFE   OF  SARAH   B.   JUDSON.  317 

Arrangements  were  made  to  carry  the  body  on 
shore.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Bertram  from  the  Island  came  on 
board,  and  was  led  into  the  state-room  where  lay  all 
that  was  mortal  of  Mrs.  Judson.  "  Pleasant,"  he  says, 
"she  was  even  in  death.  A  sweet  smile  of  love  beamed 
on  her  countenance,  as  if  heavenly  grace  had  stamped 
it  there.  The  bereaved  husband  and  three  weeping 
children  fastened  their  eyes  upon  the  loved  remains, 
as  if  they  could  have  looked  forever." 

The  coffin  was  borne  to  the  shore ;  the  boats  form- 
ing a  kind  of  procession,  their  oars  beating  the  waves 
at  measured  intervals,  as  a  sort  of  funeral  knell. — The 
earth  received  her  dust,  and  her  bereaved  husband 
continued  his  sad  voyage  towards  his  native  land, 
again  a  widowed  mourner. 


PART  III, 

BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 

OF  MRS.  EMILY  C.  JUDSON. 

•     THIRD   WIFE    OF 

REV.  ADONIRAM  JUDSON,  D.D. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH 

OF  MRS.  EMILY  C.  JUDSON. 

BKMARK8     ON     HER     GKNIUS. HER     EARLY    LIFE. CONVERSION. EMPLOY 

MENTS. TALES  AND  POEMS. ACQUAINTANCE  WITH  DR.  JUDSON. MAR- 
RIAGE.— VOYAGE  TO  INDIA. BIOGRAPHY  OF  MRS.  8.  B.  JUDSON. POEIf 

WRITTEN     OFF    ST.    HELENA, POEM     ON     THE     BIRTH     OF   AN     INFANT.— 

LINES  ADDRESSED  TO  A  BEREAVED  FRIEND. LETTER  TO  HER  CHIL- 
DREN.  "  PRAYER  FOR  DEAR  PAPA." POEM  ADDRESSED  TO  HER  MO- 
THER.  HER  ACCOUNT  OF  DR.  JUDSON's  LAST  ILLNESS  AND  DEATH. 

OUR  labor  of  sketching  the  lives  of  the  three  dis- 
tinguished women  who  were  permitted  to  share  the 
happiness  and  lighten  the  cares  of  one  of  the  most 
worthy  and  venerated  of  missionaries,  now  brings  us 
on  delicate  ground.  The  last  wife  of  Dr.  Judson, 
happily  for  her  numerous  friends  and  for  his  and  her 
children,  survives  him.  Long  may  she  be  spared  to 
train  those  children  in  the  ways  of  lofty  piety,  to  glad- 
den  the  wide  circle  of  friends  and  relatives  now 
anxiously  expecting  her  return  to  her  native  land,  and 
to  gratify  the  admirers  of  her  genius  with  the  graceful 
and  eloquent  effusions  of  her  pen.  Graceful  and  elo- 
quent they  have  always  been,  but  of  late — touched  by 

21  N* 


322  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 

a  coal  from  that  altar  on  which  she  has  laid  her  best 
sacrifice,  herself — they  have  gained  a  higher  and  purer 
flow,  awakened  by  a  holier  inspiration.  The  world 
admired  the  brilliancy  of  "  Fanny  Forrester."  Chris- 
tians love  the  exalted  tenderness,  the  sanctified  enthu- 
siasm of  Emily  C.  Judson. 

Much  as  it  would  gratify  us,  and  her  friends  to  give 
an  extended  account  of  her  life,  delicacy  forbids  us  to 
do  more  than  merely  to  sketch  those  features  in  it, 
which  are  already  the  property  of  much  of  the  reading 
public.  Our  outline  will  necessarily  be  meagre,  but 
we  will  enrich  it  by  several  of  her  poems  written  in 
India,  hitherto  scarce  published  except  in  perishable 
newspapers  and  periodicals.  We  might  indeed  make 
it  more  interesting  by  incidents  and  anecdotes,  drawn 
from  those  of  her  early  associates  who  love  to  dwell 
on  the  rich  promise  of  her  childhood  and  youth ;  but 
by  doing  so,  we  should  incur  the  risk  of  intruding  on 
the  sacredness  of  the  family  circle  ;  and  we  forbear. 

She  was  born  in  Eaton,  a  town  near  the  centre 
of  the  state  of  New  York.  In  her  childhood  she  ex- 
hibited an  exuberance  of  imagination  that  enabled  her 
to  delight  her  young  associates  with  tales,  which,  ac- 
cording to  one  of  them,  she  would  sit  up  in  bed  in  the 
morning  to  write,  and  then  read  aloud  to  them.  She 
would,  even  then,  write  verses  also,  but  in  this  gift  she 
was  perhaps  inferior  to  a  sister,  who  died  in  early  life, 


EMILY  C.   JUDSON.  323 

and  whose  numerous  poems  were  unfortunately,  and 
to  the  grief  of  her  family,  accidentally  lost.  At  an 
early  period  she  embraced  religion  and  was  baptized 
by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Dean,  a  missionary  to  China,  then  in 
this  country.  Her  interest  was  awakened  in  the  hea- 
then, even  at  that  time,  and  she  indulged  in  many  ar- 
dent longings  to  go  as  a  missionary  to  them.  The 
late  Dr.  Kendrick  judiciously  advised  her  to  pursue 
the  path  of  duty  at  home,  and  quietly  wait  the  lead- 
ings and  openings  of  Providence.  This  advice  she 
followed,  and  as  a  means  of  improving  the  straitened 
circumstances  of  her  family,  she  left  home  and  en- 
gaged as  a  teacher  in  a  seminary  in  Utica. 

Desirous  to  increase  still  farther  her  mother's  limited 
resources,  she  determined  to  employ  her  pen ;  and  pub- 
lished some  short  religious  tales,  which,  however, 
brought  her  little  fame,  and  small  pecuniary  emolu- 
ment. But  in  1844,  by  a  skilful  and  happy  letter  to 
the  conductor  of  the  New  York  Mirror,  she  so  attract- 
ed the  attention  of  the  fastidious  and  brilliant  editor 
of  that  magazine,  that  he  engaged  her  as  a  constant 
contributor.  This  arrangement,  though  of  great  pecu- 
niary advantage,  was,  in  a  religious  view,  a  snare  to 
her.  As  a  writer  of  light,  graceful  stories  of  a  purely 
worldly  character,  she  had  in  this  country,  few  rivals, 
and  her  name,  attached  to  a  tale  or  a  poem,  became  a 
passport  to  popular  favor.  In  a  letter  to  her  aged 


524:  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH   OF 

pastor,  written  a  year  after  her  marriage,  she  laments 
her  extreme  vvorldliness  at  that  period,  which  she  says, 
even  led  her  to  be  ashamed  of  her  former  desire  to  be 
a  missionary.  Yet  her  writings  are  marked  by  purity, 
and  generally  inculcated  nothing  unfriendly  either  to 
virtue  or  religion.  But  it  was  the  religion  of  senti- 
ment, and  the  virtue  of  the  natural  heart ;  of  which 
it  must  be  confessed  we  find  far  more  in  fictitious 
tales,  than  in  real  life.  When  we  consider  the  noble- 
ness of  the  motive  that  led  her  to  seek  a  popular  path 
to  favor  and  emolument — to  increase  the  comforts  of 
her  excellent  and  honored  mother — our  censure,  were 
we  disposed  to  indulge  any,  is  disarmed  and  almost 
changed  to  admiration. 

During  Dr.  Judson's  visit  to  America,  in  1845, 
while  riding  in  a  public  conveyance  with  Mr.  G., 
who  was  escorting  him  to  his  home  in  Philadel- 
phia, a  story  written  by  "  Fanny  Forrester,"  fell  into 
the  hands  of  Dr.  J.  He  read  it  with  satisfaction, 
remarking  that  he  should  like  to  know  its  author 
"  You  will  soon  have  that  pleasure,"  said  Mr.  G.,  "  for 
she  is  now  visiting  at  my  house."  An  acquaintance 
then  commenced  between  them,  which,  notwithstand- 
ing the  disparity  in  their  years,  soon  ripened  into  a 
warm  attachment,  and  after  a  severe  struggle,  she 
broke,  as  she  says,  the  innumerable  ties  that  bound  her 
to  the  fascinating  worldly  life  she  had  adopted,  and 


EMILY  C.  JUDSOtf.  325 

consented  to  become,  what  in  her  early  religious  zeal 
she  had  so  longed  to  be — a  missionary. 

And  now  the  spell  of  worldliness  was  indeed  broken. 
With  mingled  shame  and  penitence  she  reviewed  her 
spiritual  declensions,  and  with  an  humbled,  self-dis- 
trusting spirit  renewed  her  neglected  covenant  with 
the  God  and  guide  of  her  youth.  In  Dr.  Judson,  to 
whom  she  was  married  on  the  2d  of  June,  1846,  she 
found  a  wise  and  faithful  friend  and  counsellor,  as  well 
as  a  devoted  husband.  In  his  tried  and  experienced 
piety,  she  gained  the  support  and  encouragement  she 
needed  in  her  Christian  life.  Conscious  that  she  had 
given  to  the  world's  service  too  many  of  her  noble 
gifts,  she  commenced  a  work  of  an  exclusively  reli- 
gious character  and  tendency,  the  biography  of  her  pre- 
decessor, the  second  Mrs.  Judson.  In  one  year  it  was 
completed,  and  in  speaking  of  it  in  a  letter  from  India, 
whither  she  had  accompanied  Dr.  J.  immediately  after 
their  marriage,  she  playfully  remarked  that  her  hus- 
band was  pleased  with  it,  and  she  cared  little  whether 
any  one  else  liked  it  or  not. 

On  her  passage  to  India,  Mrs.  Judson  passed  in 
sight  of  that  island  which  must  ever  attract  the  gaze 
of  men  of  every  clime  and  nation, — the  rocky  prison 
and  tomb  of  the  conqueror  of  nations,  Napoleon  Bona- 
parte. But  to  her  the  island  had  more  tender  asso- 
ciations; awakened  more  touching  recollections.  It 


826  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 

was  as  the  grave  of  Sarah  Judson,  that  her  successor 
gazed  long  and  tearfully  on  the  Isle  of  St.  Helena;  ami 
she  thus  embodied  her  feelings  in  song. 

LINES    WRITTEN    OFF    ST.    HELENA. 

Blow  softly,  gales !  a  tender  sigh 

Is  flung  upon  your  wing ; 
Lose  not  the  treasure  as  ye  fly, 
Bear  it  where  love  and  beauty  lie, 

Silent  and  withering. 

Flow  gently,  waves  !  a  tear  is  laid 

Upon  your  heaving  breast ; 
Leave  it  within  yon  dark  rock's  shade 
Or  weave  it  in  an  iris  braid, 

To  crown  the  Christian's  rest. 

Bloom,  ocean  isle,  lone  ocean  isle  I 

Thou  keep'st  a  jewel  rare ; 
Let  rugged  rock,  and  dark  defile, 
A  bovo  the  slumbering  stranger  smile 

And  deck  her  couch  with  care. 

Weep,  ye  bereaved !  a  dearer  head, 

Ne'er  left  the  pillowing  breast : 
The  good,  the  pure,  the  lovely  fled, 
When  mingling  with  the  shadowy  dead, 

She  meekly  went  to  rest. 

Mourn,  Burmah,  mourn  1  a  bow  which  spanned 

Thy  cloud  has  passed  away ; 
A  flower  has  withered  on  thy  sand, 
A  pitying  spirit  left  thy  strand, 

A  saint  has  ceased  to  pray. 

Angels  rejoice,  another  string 
Has  caught  the  strains  above  *, 


EMILY  C.  JUDSON.  327 

Rejoice,  rejoice !  a  new-fledged  wing 
Around  the  Throne  is  hovering, 
Li  sweet,  glad,  wondering  love. 

Blow,  blow,  ye  gales !  wild  billows  roll  1 

Unfurl  the  canvas  wide ! 
0 1  where  she  labored  lies  our  goal : 
Weak,  timid,  frail,  yet  would  my  soul 

Fain'be  to  hers  allied. 

Ship  Faneuil  Hall,  Sept.  1846. 

On  the  birth  of  an  infant,  she  expressed  her  first 
maternal  feelings,  in  verses  of  such  exquisite  beauty, 
that  they  can  never  be  omitted  in  any  collection  of 
the  gems  of  poetry — least  of  all  in  any  collection  of 
her  poems. 

The  following  are  the  verses  alluded  to : 

MY   BIRD. 

Ere  last  year's  moon  had  left  the  sky, 

A  birdling  sought  my  Indian  nest 
And  folded,  oh  so  lovingly  1 

Her  tiny  wings  upon  my  breast 

From  morn  till  evening's  purple  tinge, 

In  winsome  helplessness  she  lies ; 
Two  rose  leaves,  with  a  silken  fringe, 

Shut  softly  on  her  starry  eyes. 

There's  not  in  Ind  a  lovelier  bird ; 

Broad  earth  owns  not  a  happier  nest ; 
O  Ood,  thou  hast  a  fountain  stirred, 

Whose  waters  never  more  shall  rest  I 


328  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 

This  beautiful,  mysterious  thing, 

This  seeming  visitant  from  heaven, 
This  bird  with  the  immortal  whig, 

To  me — to  me,  thy  hand  has  given. 

The  pulse  first  caught  its  tiny  stroke, 
The  blood  its  crimson  hue,  from  mine  •,— 

This  life,  which  I  have  dared  invoke, 
Henceforth  is  parallel  with  thine^ 

A  silent  awe  is  in  my  room— 

I  tremble  with  delicious  fear; 
The  future  with  its  light  and  gloom, 

Time  and  Eternity  are  here. 

Doubts — hopes,  in  eager  tumult  rise ; 

Hear,  O  my  God !  one  earnest  prayer  :— 
Room  for  my  bird  in  Paradise, 

And  give  her  angel  plumage  there  1 

Maulmain,  January,  1848. 

The  following  touching  lines  show  that  she  could 
skilfully  employ  her  ready  pen  in  consoling  those  on 
whom  had  fallen  the  stroke  of  bereavement : 

LINES 

Addressed  to  a  missionary  friend  in  Burmah  on  the  death  of  her  little 
boy,  thirteen  months  old,  in  which  allusion  is  made  to  the  previout 
death  of  his  little  brother. 

A  mound  is  in  the  graveyard, 

A  short  and  narrow  bed ; 
No  grass  is  growing  on  it, 

And  no  marble  at  its  head  : 
Ye  may  go  and  weep  beside  it, 

Ye  may  kneel  and  kiss  the  sod, 
But  ye'll  find  no  balm  for  sorrow, 

In  the  cold  and  silent  clod. 


EMILY  C.  JUDSON.  329 

There  is  anguish  in  the  household, 

It  is  desolate  and  lone, 
For  a  fondly  cherished  nursling 

From  the  parent  nest  has  flown ; 
A  little  form  is  missing ; 

A  heart  has  ceased  to  beat ; 
And  the  chain  of  love  lies  shattered 

At  the  desolator's  feet 

Remove  the  empty  cradle, 

His  clothing  put  away, 
And  all  his  little  playthings 

"With  your  choicest  treasures  lay; 
Strive  not  to  check  the  tear  drops, 

That  fall  like  summer  rain, 
For  the  sun  of  hope  shines  thro'  them— 

Ye  shall  see  his  face  again. 

Oh  I  think  where  rests  your  darling, — 

Not  in  his  cradle  bed ; 
Not  in  the  distant  graveyard, 

With  the  still  and  mouldering  dead , 
But  in  a  heavenly  mansion, 

Upon  the  Saviour's  breast, 
With  his  brother's  arms  about  him, 

He  takes  his  sainted  rest 

He  has  put  on  robes  of  glory 

For  the  little  robes  ye  wrought ; 
And  he  fingers  golden  harp-strings 

For  the  toys  his  sisters  brought 
Oh,  weep  1  but  with  rejoicing; 

A  heart  gem  have  ye  given, 
And  behold  its  glorious  setting 

In  the  diadem  of  Heaven. 

The  following  letter  and  beautiful  poems  ne»  d  littls 
explanation.     The  letter  is  addressed  to  some  of  Dr. 


330  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OP 

Judson's  children,  who  resided  in  Worcester,  Massa- 
chusetts, having  been  sent  home  from  India  to  be 
educated  in  America.  His  health  having  failed,  Dr. 
J.  had  sailed  for  the  Isle  of  Bourbon  for  its  restoration, 
and  it  was  during  his  absence  that  these  effusions 
were  penned. 

Maulmain,  April  11,  1860. 
MY  VERY  DEAR  CHILDREN, 

I  have  painful  news  to  tell  you — news  that  I  am 
sure  will  make  your  hearts  ache ;  but  I  hope  our 
heavenly  Father  will  help  you  to  bear  it.  Your  dear 
papa  is  very,  very  ill  indeed  ;  so  much  so  that  the  best 
judges  fear  that  he  will  never  be  any  better.  He 
began  to  fail  about  five  months  ago,  and  has  declined 
so  gradually  that  we  were  not  fully  aware  of  his  dan- 
ger until  lately ;  but  within  a  few  weeks  those  who 
love  him  have  become  very  much  alarmed. 

In  January  we  went  down  to  Mergui  by  the  steamei, 
and  when  we  returned,  thought  he  was  a  little  better, 
but  he  soon  failed  again.  We  spent  a  month  at  Am- 
herst,  but  he  received  little  if  any  benefit.  Next,  the 
doctors  pronounced  our  house  (the  one  you  used  to 
live  in)  unhealthy,  and  we  moved  to  another.  But 
all  was  of  no  use.  Your  dear  papa  continued  to  fail, 
till  suddenly,  one  evening,  his  muscular  strength  gave 
way  and  he  was  prostrated  on  the  bed,  unable  t<?  help 
himself.  This  occurred  about  two  weeks  ago.  The 


EMILY  C.  JUDSOTT.  331 

doctor  now  became  alarmed,  and  said  the  only  hope 
for  him  was  in  a  long  voyage.  It  was  very  hard  to 
think  of  such  a  thing  in  his  reduced  state,  particularly 
as  I  could  not  go  with  him ;  but  after  we  had  wept 
and  prayed  over  it  one  day  and  night,  we  concluded 
that  it  was  our  duty  to  use  the  only  means  which  God 
had  left  us,  however  painful. 

We  immediately  engaged  his  passage  on  board  a 
French  barque,  bound  for  the  Isle  of  Bourbon;  but 
before  it  sailed  he  had  become  so  very  low  that  no  one 
thought  it  right  for  him  to  go  alone.  They  therefore 
called  a  meeting  of  the  missio^  and  appointed  Mr. 
Ranney.  It  was  a  great  relief  to  me,  for  he  is  a  very 
kind  man,  and  loves  your  dear  papa  very  much ;  and 
he  will  do  everything  that  can  be  done  for  his  comfort. 
The  officers  of  the  vessel  too,  seemed  greatly  interest- 
ed for  him,  as  did  every  one  else.  He  was  carried  on 
board  a  week  ago  yesterday,  in  a  litter,  and  placed  on 
a  nice  easy  cot  made  purposely  for  him.  I  stayed  with 
him  all  day,  and  at  dark  came  home  to  stay  with  the 
children. 

The  next  day  I  found  that  the  vessel  had  only 
dropped  down  a  little  distance,  and  so  I  took  a  boat 
and  followed.  I  expected  this  would  certainly  be  the 
last  day  with  him,  but  it  was  not.  On  Friday  I  went 
again,  and  though  he  did  not  appear  as  well  as  on  the 
previous  days,  I  was  forced  to  take,  as  I  then  supposed, 


832  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OP 

a  final  leave  of  him.  But  when  morning  came,  I  felt 
as  though  I  could  not  live  through  the  day  without 
knowing  how  he  was.  So  I  took  a  boat  again,  and 
reached  the  vessel  about  2  o'clock  P.M.  He  could 
only  speak  in  whispers,  but  seemed  very  glad  that  I 
came.  The  natives  I  had  sent  to  fan  him  till  he  should 
get  out  of  the  river,  came  to  me  and  begged  to  have  him 
taken  on  shore  again :  and  so  small  was  my  hope  of  his 
recovery,  that  my  heart  pleaded  on  their  side,  though 
I  still  thought  it  a  duty  to  do  as  the  doctor  had  ordered. 
I  came  away  at  dark,  and  though  his  lips  moved  to 
say  some  word  of  fai^well,  they  made  no  sound. 

I  hope  that  you,  my  dear  boys,  will  never  have 
cause  to  know  what  a  heavy  heart  I  bore  back  to  my 
desolate  home  that  night.  The  vessel  got  out  to  sea 
about  4  o'clock  on  Monday,  and  last  night  the  natives 
returned,  bringing  a  letter  from  Mr.  Ranney.  Your 
precious  papa  has  revived  again — spoke  aloud — took 
a  little  tea  and  toast — said  there  was  something  ani- 
mating in  the  touch  of  the  sea  breeze,  and  directed 
Mr.  Ranney  to  write  to  me  that  he  had  a  strong  belief 
it  was  the  will  of  God  to  restore  him  again  to  health. 
I  feel  somewhat  encouraged,  but  dare  not  hope  too 
much. 

And  now,  my  dear  boys,  it  will  be  three,  perhaps 
four  long  months  before  we  can  hear  from  our  beloved 
one  again,  and  we  shall  all  be  very  anxious.  All  we 


EMILY  C.   JUDSON.  333 

can  do  is  to  commit  him  to  the  care  of  our  heavenly 
Father,  and,  if  we  never  see  him  again  in  this  world, 

pray  that  we  may  be  prepared  to  meet  him  in  heaven 

****** 

Your  most  affectionate  mother, 
EMILY  C.  JUDSO.V 

PRAYER    FOR    DEAR    PAPA. 

Poor  and  needy  little  children, 

Saviour,  God,  we  come  to  Thee, 
For  our  hearts  are  full  of  sorrow, 

And  no  other  hope  have  we. 
Out,  upon  the  restless  ocean, 

There  is  one  we  dearly  love, — 
Fold  him  in  thine  arms  of  pity. 

Spread  thy  guardian  wings  above. 

When  the  winds  are  howling  round  him, 

When  the  angry  waves  are  high, 
When  black,  heavy,  midnight  shadows, 

On  his  trackless  pathway  lie, 
Guide  and  guard  him,  blessed  Saviour, 

Bid  the  hurrying  tempests  stay ; 
Plant  thy  foot  upon  the  waters, 

Send  thy  smile  to  light  his  way. 

When  he  lies,  all  pale,  and  suffering, 

Stretched  upon  his  narrow  bed, 
With  no  loving  face  bent  o'er  him, 

No  soft  hand  about  his  head, 
0,  let  kind  and  pitying  angels, 

Their  bright  forms  around  him  bow; 
Let  them  kiss  his  heavy  eyelids, 

Let  them  fan  his  fevered  brow. 


834  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OP 

Poor  and  needy  little  children, 

Still  we  raise  our  cry  to  Thee* 
We  have  nestled  in  his  bosom, 

"We  have  sported  on  bis  knee ; 
Dearly,  dearly  do  we  love  him, 

— We,  who  on  his  breast  have  lain — 
Pity  now  ouf  desolation  1 

Bring  him  back  to  us  again  I 

If  it  please  thee,  Heavenly  Father, 

We  would  see  him  come  once  more, 
With  his  olden  step  of  vigor, 

With  the  love-lit  smile  he  wore ; 
But  if  we  must  tread  Life's  valley, 

Orphaned,  guideless,  and  alone, 
Let  us  lose  not,  'mid  the  shadows, 

His  dear  footprints  to  thy  Throne. 

Maulmain,  April,  1850. 


SWEET      MOTHER. 

The  wild,  south-west  Monsoon  has  risen, 
With  broad,  gray  wings  of  gloom, 

While  here,  from  out  my  dreary  prison, 
I  look,  as  from  a  tomb — Alas  1 
My  heart  another  tomb. 

Upon  the  low-thatched  roof,  the  rain, 

With  ceaseless  patter,  falls ; 
My  choicest  treasures  bear  its  stain — 

Mould  gathers  on  the  walls — Would  Heaven 

'Twere  only  on  the  walls  1 

Sweet  Mother !  I  am  here  alone, 

In  sorrow  and  in  pain ; 
The  sunshine  from  my  heart  has  flown, 

It  feels  the  driving  rain — Ah,  me  I 

The  chill,  and  mould,  and  rain. 


EMILY  C.  JUDSON.  335 

Four  laggard  months  have  wheeled  their  round 

Since  love  upon  it  smiled ; 
And  everything  of  earth  has  frowned 

On  thy  poor,  stricken  child — sweet  friend, 

Thy  weary,  suffering  child. 

Td  watched  my  loved  one,  night  and  day, 

Scarce  breathing  when  he  slept ; 
And  as  my  hopes  were  swept  away, 

Fd  on  his  bosom  wept — 0  God  1 

How  had  I  prayed  and  wept  I 

They  bore  him  from  me  to  the  ship, 

As  bearers  bear  the  dead ; 
I  kissed  his  speechless,  quivering  lip, 

And  left  him  on  his  bed — Alas  I 

It  seemed  a  coffin-bed  1 

When  from  my  gentle  sister's  tomb, 

In  all  our  grief,  we  came, 
Rememberest  thou  her  vacant  room ! 

Well,  his  was  just  the  same,  that  day, 

The  very,  very  same. 

Then,  mother,  little  Charley  came— 
Our  beautiful  fair  boy, 

With  my  own  father's  cherished  name- 
But  oh,  he  brought  no  joy  I — My  child 
Brought  mourning,  and  no  joy. 

His  little  grave  I  cannot  see, 

Though  weary  months  have  sped 
Since  pitying  lips  bent  over  me, 

And  whispered,  "  He  is  dead  1" — Alas ! 

Tia  dreadful  to  be  dead  I 

I  do  not  mean  for  one  like  me, 

— So  weary,  worn,  and  weak, — 
Death's  shadowy  paleness  seems  to  be, 

Even  now,  upon  my  cheek — his  seal 

On  form,  and  brow,  and  cheek. 


886  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 

But  for  a  bright-winged  bird  like  him, 

To  hush  his  joyous  song, 
And,  prisoned  in  a  coffin  dim, 

Join  Death's  pale,  phantom  throng — My  boy 

To  join  that  grisly  throng  1 

Oh,  Mother,  I  can  scarcely  bear 

To  think  of  this  to-day  1 
It  was  so  exquisitely  fair, 

— That  little  form  of  clay — my  heart 

Still  lingers  by  his  clay. 

And  when  for  one  loved  far,  far  more, 
Come  thickly  gathering  tears ; 

My  star  of  faith  is  clouded  o'er, 
I  sink  beneath  my  fears — sweet  friend, 
My  heavy  weight  of  fears. 

Oh,  should  he  not  return  to  me, 
Drear,  drear  must  be  life's  night  1 

And,  mother,  I  can  almost  see 

Even  now  the  gathering  blight — my  soul 
Faints,  stricken  by  the  blight 

Oh,  but  to  feel  thy  fond  arms  twine 

Around  me,  once  again  1 
It  almost  seems  those  lips  of  thine 

Might  kiss  away  the  pain — might  soothe 

This  dull,  cold,  heavy  pain. 

But,  gentle  Mother,  through  life's  storms, 

I  may  not  lean  on  thee, 
For  helpless,  cowering  little  forms 

Cling  trustingly  to  me — Poor  babes  1 

To  have  no  guide  but  me  1 

IVith  weary  foot,  and  broken  wing, 
With  bleeding  heart,  and  sore, 

Thy  Dove  looks  backward,  sorrowing, 
But  seeks  the  ark  no  more — thy  breast 
Seeks  never,  never  more. 


EMILY  C.  JUDSON.  837 

Sweet  Mother,  for  this  wanderer  pray, 

That  loftier  faith  be  given ; 
Her  broken  reeds  all  swept  away, 

That  she  may  lean  on  Heaven — her  soul 

Grow  strong  on  Christ  and  Heaven. 

All  fearfully,  all  tearfully, 

Alone  and  sorrowing, 
My  dim  eye  lifted  to  the  sky, 

Fast  to  the  cross  I  cling — 0  Christ  t 

To  thy  dear  cross  I  cling. 
Afaulmain,  August  8th,  1850. 

From  the  sad  voyage  which  drew  forth  this  most 
umching  poem  Dr.  Judson  never  returned.  He  died 
on  board  the  ship  which  was  bearing  him  to  more 
healthful  climes ;  and  his  body  was  committed  to  the 
ocean.  One  of  the  most  excellent  of  Mrs.  Judson's 
productions  is  her  account  of  the  closing  scenes  in  her 
husband's  life,  contained  in  a  letter  to  his  sister.  Long 
as  it  is,  we  cannot  bring  ourselves  to  abridge  it.  It 
will  convince  our  readers  that  if  the  THREE  whose 
lives  we  have  sketched,  have  been  among  the  first  of 
women,  they  were  united  to  one  who  knew  and  appre- 
ciated their  excellence,  and  who  was  worthy  to  share 
their  affection. 

CLOSING  SCENES  IN  THE  LIFE  OF  DR.  JUDSON. 

BY   HIS   WIDOW. 

Last  month  I  could  do  no  more  than  announce  to 
you  our  painful  bereavement,  which  though  not  alto- 
22  ° 

/ 


338  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 

gether  unexpected,  will,  I  very  well  know,  fall  upon 
your  heart  with  overwhelming  weight.  You  will  find 
the  account  of  your  brother's  last  days  on  board  the 
Aristide  Marie,  in  a  letter  written  by  Mr.  Ranney  from 
Mauritius,  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Board ;  and  I  can 
add  Nothing  to  it,  with  the  exception  of  a  few  unim- 
portant particulars,  gleaned  in  conversation  with  Mr. 
R.  and  the  Coringa  servant.  I  grieve  that  it  should  be 
so — that  I  was  not  permitted  to  watch  beside  him 
during  those  days  of  terrible  suffering  ;  but  the  pain, 
which  I  at  first  felt,  is  gradually  yielding  to  gratitude 
for  the  inestimable  privileges  which  had  previously 
been  granted  me. 

There  was  something  exceedingly  beautiful  in  the 
decline  of  your  brother's  life — more  beautiful  than  I 
can  describe,  though  the  impression  will  remain  with 
me  as  a  sacred  legacy,  until  I  go  to  meet  him  where 
suns  shall  never  set,  and  life  shall  never  end.  He  had 
been,  from  my  first  acquaintance  with  him,  an  uncom- 
monly spiritual  Christian,  exhibiting  his  richest  graces 
in  the  unguarded  intercourse  of  private  life;  but  during 
his  last  year,  it  seemed  as  though  the  light  of  the 
world  on  which  he  was  entering,  had  been  sent  to 
brighten  his  upward  pathway.  Every  subject  on 
which  we  conversed,  every  book  we  read,  every  inci- 
dent that  occurred,  whether  trivial  or  important,  had  a 
endency  to  suggest  some  peculiarly  spiritual  train  of 


EMILY  C.   JUDSON".  339 

thought,  till  it  seemed  to  me  that  more  than  ever  be- 
fore, "  Christ  was  all  his  theme."  Something  of  the 
same  nature  was  also  noted  in  his  preaching,  to  which 
I  then  had  not  the  privilege  of  listening.  He  was  in 
the  habit,  however,  of  studying  his  subject  for  the  Sab- 
bath, audibly,  and  in  my  presence,  at  which  time  he 
was  frequently  so  much  affected  as  to  weep,  and  some 
times  so  overwhelmed  with  the  vastness  of  his  con 
ceptions,  as  to  be  obliged  to  abandon  his  theme  and 
choose  another.  My  own  illness  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  year  had  brought  eternity  very  near  to 
us,  and  rendered  death,  the  grave,  and  the  bright 
heaven  beyond  it,  familiar  subjects  of  conversation. 
Gladly  would  I  give  you,  my  dear  sister,  some  idea  of 
the  share  borne  by  him  in  those  memorable  conversa- 
tions ;  but  it  would  be  impossible  to  convey,  even  to 
those  who  knew  him  best,  the  most  distant  conception. 
I  believe  he  has  sometimes  been  thought  eloquent, 
both  in  conversation  and  in  the  sacred  desk  ;  but  the 
fervid,  burning  eloquence,  the  deep  pathos,  the  touch- 
ing tenderness,  the  elevation  of  thought,  and  intense 
beauty  of  expression,  which  characterized  those  pri 
vate  teachings,  were  not  only  beyond  what  I  had  evei 
heard  before,  but  such  as  I  felt  sure  arrested  his  own 
attention,  and  surprised  even  himself.  About  this 
time  he  began  to  find  unusual  satisfaction  and  enjoy- 
ment in  his  private  devotions ;  and  seemed  to  have 


340  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH  OP 

new  objects  of  interest  continually  rising  in  his  mind 
each  of  which  in  turn  became  special  subjects  of 
prayer.  Among  these,  one  of  the  most  prominent 
was  the  conversion  of  his  posterity.  He  remarked, 
that  he  had  always  prayed  for  his  children,  but  that 
of  late  he  had  felt  impressed  with  the  duty  of  praying 
for  their  children  and  their  children's  children  down 
to  the  latest  generation.  He  also  prayed  most  fer- 
vently, that  his  impressions  on  this  particular  subject 
might  be  transferred  to  his  sons  and  daughters,  and 
thenee  to  their  offspring,  so  that  he  should  ultimately 
meet  a  long  unbroken  line  of  descendants  before  the 
throne  of  God,  where  all  might  join  together  in  ascrib 
ing  everlasting  praises  to  their  Redeemer. 

Another  subject,  which  occupied  a  large  share  of 
his  attention,  was  that  of  brotherly  love.  You  are, 
perhaps,  aware,  that  like  all  persons  of  his  ardent 
temperament,  he  was  subject  to  strong  attachments 
and  aversions,  which  he  sometimes  had  difficulty  in 
bringing  under  the  controlling  influence  of  divine 
grace.  He  remarked  that  he  had  always  felt  more 
or  less  of  an  affectionate  interest  in  his  brethren,  as 
brethren — and  some  of  them  he  had  loved  very  dearly 
for  their  personal  qualities ;  but  that  he  was  now 
aware  he  had  never  placed  his  standard  of  love  high 
enough.  He  spoke  of  them  as  children  of  God,  re- 
deemed by  the  Saviour's  blood,  watched  over  and 


EMILY  C.   JUDSOX.  341 

guarded  by  his  love,  dear  to  his  heart,  honored  by  him 
in  the  election,  and  to  be  honored  hereafter  before  the 
assembled  universe ;  and  he  said  it  was  not  sufficient 
to  be  kind  and  obliging  to  such,  to  abstain  from  evil 
speaking,  and  make  a  general  mention  of  them  in  our 
prayers  ;  but  our  attachment  to  them  should  be  of  the 
most  ardent  and  exalted  character — it  would  be  so  in 
heaven,  and  we  lost  immeasurably  by  not  beginning 
now.  "  As  I  have  loved  you,  so  ought  ye  also  to  love 
one  another,"  was  a  precept  continually  in  his  mind, 
and  he  would  often  murmur,  as  though  unconsciously, 
"'As  I  have  loved  you' — 'as  I  have  Joved  you'" — 
then  burst  out  with  the  exclamation,  "  Oh,  the  love  of 
Christ !  the  love  of  Christ !" 

His  prayers  for  the  mission  were  marked  by  an 
earnest,  grateful  enthusiasm,  and  in  speaking  of  mis- 
sionary operations  in  general,  his  tone  was  one  of 
elevated  triumph,  almost  of  exultation — for  he  not 
only  felt  an  unshaken  confidence  in  their  final  success, 
but  would  often  exclaim,  "  What  wonders — oh,  what 
wonders  God  has  already  wrought !" 

I  remarked,  that  during  this  year  his  literary  labor, 
which  he  had  never  liked,  and  upon  which  he  had 
entered  unwillingly  and  from  a  feeling  of  necessity, 
was  growing  daily  more  irksome  to  him  ;  and  he 
always  spoke  of  it  as  his  "  heavy  work,"  his  "  tediuus 
work,"  "  that  wearisome  dictionary,"  &c.,  though  this 


342  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OP 

feeling  led  to  no  relaxation  of  effort.  He  longed, 
however,  to  find  some  more  spiritual  employment,  to 
be  engaged  in  what  he  considered  more  legitimate 
missionary  labor,  and  drew  delightful  pictures  of  the 
future,  when  his  whole  business  would  be  but  to 
preach  and  to  pray. 

During  all  this  time  I  had  not  observed  any  failure 
in  physical  strength  ;  and  though  his  mental  exercises 
occupied  a  large  share  of  my  thoughts  when  alone,  it 
never  once  occurred  to  me  that  this  might  be  the 
brightening  of  the  setting  sun  ;  my  only  feeling  was 
that  of  pleasure,  that  one  so  near  to  me  was  becoming 
BO  pure  and  elevated  in  his  sentiments,  and  so  lovely 
and  Christ-like  in  his  character.  In  person  he  had 
grown  somewhat  stouter  than  when  in  America,  his 
complexion  had  a  healthful  hue  compared  with  that  of 
his  associates  generally  ;  and  though  by  no  means  a 
person  of  uniformly  firm  health,  he  seemed  to  possess 
such  vigor  and  strength  of  constitution,  that  I  thought 
his  life  as  likely  to  be  extended  twenty  years  longer, 
as  that  of  any  member  of  the  mission.  He  continued 
his  system  of  morning  exercise,  commenced  when  a 
student  at  Andover,  and  was  not  satisfied  with  a  com- 
mon walk  on  level  ground,  but  always  chose  an  up- 
hill path,  and  then  frequently  went  bounding  on  his 
way,  with  all  the  exuberant  activity  of  boyhood. 

He  was  of  a  singularly  happy  temperament,  al- 


EMILY  C.  JUDSON.  843 

though  not  of  that  even  cast,  which  never  rises  above 
a  certain  level,  and  is  never  depressed.  Possessing 
acute  sensibilities,  suffering  with  those  who  suffered 
and  entering  as  readily  into  the  joys  of  the  prosperous 
and  happy,  he  was  variable  in  his  moods ;  but  religion 
formed  such  an  essential  element  in  his  character,  and 
his  trust  in  Providence  was  so  implicit  and  habitual, 
that  he  was  never  gloomy,  and  seldom  more  than  mo- 
mentarily disheartened.  On  the  other  hand,  being  ac- 
customed to  regard  all  the  events  of  this  life,  however 
minute  or  painful,  as  ordered  in  wisdon,  and  tending 
to  one  great  and  glorious  end,  he  lived  in  almost  con- 
stant obedience  to  the  apostolic  injunction,  "  Rejoice 
evermore !"  He  often  told  me  that  although  he  had 
endured  much  personal  suffering,  and  passed  through 
many  fearful  trials  in  the  course  of  his  eventful  life,  a 
kind  Providence  had  also  hedged  him  round  with 
precious,  peculiar  blessings,  so  that  his  joys  had  far 
outnumbered  his  sorrows. 

Toward  the  close  of  September  of  last  year,  he  said 
to  me  one  evening,  "  What  deep  cause  have  we  for 
gratitude  to  God ! — do  you  believe  there  are  any  other 
two  persons  in  the  wide  world  so  happy  as  we  are  ?' 
enumerating,  in  his  own  earnest  manner,  several 
sources  of  happiness,  in  which  our  work  as  mission- 
aries,  and  our  eternal  prospects,  occupied  a  prominent 
position.  When  he  had  finished  his  glowing  picture,  I 


344  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 

remarked  (I  scarcely  know  why,  but  there  was  a 
heavy  cloud  upon  my  spirits  that  evening),  "  We  are 
certainly  very  happy  now,  but  it  cannot  be  so  always 
— I  am  thinking  of  the  time  when  one  of  us  must 
stand  beside  the  bed,  and  see  the  other  die." 

"  Yes,"  he  said,  "  that  will  be  a  sad  moment ;  I  felt 
it  most  deeply  a  little  while  ago,  but  now  it  would  not 
be  strange  if  your  life  were  prolonged  beyond  mine — • 
though  I  should  wish  if  it  were  possible  to  spare  you 
that  pain.  It  is  the  one  left  alone  who  suffers,  not  the 
one  who  goes  to  be  with  Christ.  If  it  should  only  be 
the  will  of  God  that  we  might  go  together,  like  young 
James  and  his  wife.  But  he  will  order  all  things 
well,  and  we  can  safely  trust  our  future  to  his  hands." 

That  same  night  we  were  roused  from  sleep  by  the 
sudden  illness  of  one  of  the  children.  There  was  an 
unpleasant,  chilling  dampness  in  the  air,  as  it  came  to 
us  through  the  openings  in  the  sloats  above  the  win- 
dows, which  affected  your  brother  very  sensibly,  and 
he  soon  began  to  shiver  so  violently,  that  he  was 
obliged  to  return  to  his  couch,  where  he  remained 
under  a  warm  covering  until  morning.  In  the  morn- 
ing he  awoke  with  a  severe  cold,  accompanied  by 
some  degree  of  fever ;  but  as  it  did  not  seem  very 
serious,  and  our  three  children  were  all  suffering  from 
a  similar  cause,  we  failed  to  give  it  any  especial  atten- 
tion. From  that  thne  he  was  never  well,  though  in 


EMILY  C.   JUDSON  345 

writing  to  you  before,  1  think  I  dated  the  commence 
ment  of  his  illness,  from  the  month  of  November, 
when  he  laid  aside  his  studies.  I  know  that  he  re- 
garded this  attack  as  trifling,  and  yet  one  evening  he 
spent  a  long  time  in  advising  me  with  regard  to  my 
future  course,  if  I  should  be  deprived  of  his  guidance  ; 
saying  that  it  is  always  wise  to  be  prepared  for  exi- 
gences of  this  nature.  After  the  month  of  November, 
he  failed  gradually,  occasionally  rallying  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  deceive  us  all,  but  at  each  relapse  sink- 
ing lower  than  at  the  previous  one,  though  still  full 
of  hope  and  courage,  and  yielding  ground  only,  inch 
by  inch,  as  compelled  by  the  triumphant  progress  of 
disease.  During  some  hours  of  every  day  he  suffered 
intense  pain  ;  but  his  naturally  buoyant  spirits  and 
uncomplaining  disposition  led  him  to  speak  so  lightly 
of  it,  that  I  used  sometimes  to  fear  the  doctor,  though 
a  very  skilful  man,  would  be  fatally  deceived. 

As  his  health  declined,  his  mental  exercises  at  first 
seemed  deepened  ;  and  he  gave  still  larger  portions  of 
his  time  to  prayer,  conversing  with  the  utmost  free- 
dom on  his  daily  progress,  and  the  extent  of  his  self- 
conquest.  Just  before  our  trip  to  Mergui,  which  took 
place  in  January,  he  looked  up  from  his  pillow  one 
day  with  sudden  animation,  and  said  to  mo  earnestly, 
"  I  have  gained  the  victory  at  last.  I  love  every  one 

of  Christ's  redeemed,  as  I  believe  he  would  have  me 

O* 


B46  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OP 

love  them — in  the  same  manner,  though  not  probably 
to  the  same  degree  as  we  shall  love  one  another  in 
heaven  ;  and  gladly  would  I  prefer  the  meanest  of  his 
creatures,  who  bears  his  name,  before  myself."  This 
he  said  in  allusion  to  the  text,  "  In  honor  preferring 
one  another,"  on  which  he  had  frequently  dwelt  with 
great  emphasis.  After  farther  similar  conversation  he 
concluded,  "And  now  here  I  lie  at  peace  with  all  the 
world,  and  what  is  better  still,  at  peace  with  my  own 
conscience.  I  know  that  I  am  a  miserable  sinner  in 
the  sight  of  God,  with  no  hope  but  in  the  blessed 
Saviour's  merits  ;  but  I  cannot  think  of  any  particular 
fault,  any  peculiarly  besetting  sin,  which  it  is  now  my 
du«.y  to  correct.  Can  you  tell  me  of  any  ?" 

And  truly,  from  this  time  no  other  word  would  so 
well  express  his  state  of  feeling,  as  that  one  of  his  own 
choosing — peace.  He  had  no  particular  exercises 
afterwards,  but  remained  calm  and  serene,  speaking 
of  himself  daily  as  a  great  sinner,  wrho  had  been 
overwhelmed  with  benefits,  and  declaring,  that  he 
had  never  in  all  his  life  before,  had  such  delightful 
views  of  the  unfathomable,  love  and  infinite  conde- 
scension of  the  Saviour,  as  were  now  daily  opening 
before  him.  "  Oh,  the  love  of  Christ !  the  love  of 
Christ!"  he  would  suddenly  exclaim,  while  his  eye 
kindled,  and  the  tears  chased  each  other  down  his 


EMILY  C.   JUDSON.  347 

cheeks,  "we  cannot  understand  it  now — but  what  a 
beautiful  study  for  eternity !" 

After  our  return  from  Mergui,  the  doctor  advised  a 
still  farther  trial  of  the  effects  of  sea  air  and  sea- 
bathing, and  we  accordingly  proceeded  to  Amherst, 
where  we  remained  nearly  a  month.  This  to  me  was 
the  darkest  period  of  his  illness — no  medical  adviser, 
no  friend  at  hand,  and  he  daily  growing  weaker  and 
weaker.  He  began  to  totter  in  walking,  clinging  to 
the  furniture  and  walls,  when  he  thought  he  was  un- 
observed (for  he  was  not  willing  to  acknowledge  the 
extent  of  his  debility),  and  his  wan  face  was  of  a 
ghastly  paleness.  His  sufferings  too  were  sometimes 
fearfully  intense,  so  that  in  spite  of  his  habitual  self- 
control,  his  groans  would  fill  the  house.  At  other 
times  a  kind  of  lethargy  seemed  to  steal  over  him,  and 
he  would  sleep  almost  incessantly  for  twenty-four 
hours,  seeming  annoyed  if  he  were  aroused  or  dis- 
turbed. Yet  there  were  portions  of  the  time,  when 
he  was  comparatively  comfortable,  and  conversed  in- 
telligently ;  but  his  mind  seemed  to  revert  to  former 
scenes,  and  he  tried  to  amuse  me  with  stories  of 
his  boyhood — his  college  days — his  imprisonment  in 
France,  and  his  early  missionary  life.  He  had  a 
great  deal  also  to  say  on  his  favorite  theme.  "  The 
love  of  Christ:"  but  his  strength  was  too  much  im- 
paired for  any  continuous  mental  effort.  Even  a  short 


348  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 

prayer  made  audibly,  exhausted  him  to  such  a  degi-xi* 
that  he  was  obliged  to  discontinue  the  practice. 

At  length  I  wrote  to  Maulmain,  giving  some  expres- 
sion of  my  anxieties  and  misgivings,  and  our  kind 
missionary  friends,  who  had  from  the  first  evinced  all 
the  tender  interest  and  watchful  sympathy  of  the 
nearest  kindred  immediately  sent  for  us — the  doctor 
advising  a  sea-voyage.  But  as  there  was' no  vessel  in 
the  harbor  bound  for  a  port  sufficiently  distant,  we 
thought  it  best,  in  the  meantime,  to  remove  from  our 
old  dwelling,  which  had  long  been  condemned  as  un- 
healthy, to  another  mission-house,  fortunately  empty 
This  change  was  at  first  attended  with  the  most  bene- 
ficial results,  and  our  hopes  revived  so  much,  that  we 
looked  forward  to  the  approaching  rainy  season  for 
entire  restoration.  But  it  lasted  only  a  little  while, 
and  then  both  of  us  became  convinced,  that  though  a 
voyage  at  sea  involved  much  that  was  exceedingly 
painful,  it  yet  presented  the  only  prospect  of  recovery, 
and  could  not,  therefore,  without  a  breach  of  duty,  be 
neglected. 

"  Oh,  if  it  were  only  the  will  of  God  to  take  me  now 
— to  let  me  die  here!"  he  repeated  over  and  over 
again,  in  a  tone  of  anguish,  while  we  where  consider- 
ing the  subject.  "I  cannot,  cannot  go ! — this  is  almost 
more  than  I  can  bear !  was  there  ever  suffering  like 
our  suffering !"  and  the  like  broken  expressions,  were 


EMILY  C.  JUDSON.  349 

continually  falling  from  his  lips.  But  he  soon  gathered 
more  strength  of  purpose ;  and  after  the  decision  was 
fairly  made,  he  never  hesitated  for  a  moment,  rather 
regarding  the  prospect  with  pleasure.  I  think  the 
struggle  which  this  resolution  cost,  injured  him  very 
materially ;  though  probahly  it  had  no  share  in  bring, 
ing  about  the  final  result.  God,  who  saw  the  end  from 
the  beginning,  had  counted  out  his  days,  and  they 
were  hastening  to  a  close.  Until  this  time  he  had 
been  able  to  stand,  and  to  walk  slowly  from  room  to 
room ;  but  as  he  one  evening  attempted  to  rise  from 
his  chair,  he  was  suddenly  deprived  of  his  small  rem- 
nant of  muscular  strength,  and  would  have  fallen  to 
the  floor,  but  for  timely  support. 

From  that  moment  his  decline  was  rapid.  As  he 
lay  helplessly  upon  his  couch,  and  watched  the  swell- 
ing of  his  feet,  and  other  alarming  symptoms,  he  be- 
came very  anxious  to  commence  his  voyage,  and  I 
felt  equally  anxious  to  have  his  wishes  gratified.  I 
still  hoped  he  might  recover — the  doctor  said  the 
chances  of  life  and  death  were  in  his  opinion  equally 
balanced — and  then  he  always  loved  the  sea  so  dearly ! 
There  was  something  exhilarating  to  him  in  the  motion 
of  a  vessel,  and  he  spoke  with  animation  of  getting 
*ree  from  the  almost  suffocating  atmosphere  incident 
to  the  hot  season,  and  drinking  in  the  fresh  sea  breezes 
He  talked  but  little  more,  however,  than  was  necessary 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OF 

to  indicate  his  wants,  his  bodily  sufferings  being  too 
great  to  allow  of  conversation ;  but  several  times  he 
looked  up  to  me  with  a  bright  smile,  and  exclaimed, 
as  heretofore,  "Oh,  the  love  of  Christ!  the  love  of 
Christ!" 

I  found  it  difficult  to  .ascertain,  from  expressions 
casually  dropped,  from  time  to  time,  his  real  opinion 
with  regard  to  his  recovery ;  but  I  thought  there  was 
some  reason  to  doubt  whether  he  was  fully  aware  of 
his  critical  situation.  I  did  not  suppose  he  had  any 
preparation  to  make  at  this  late  hour,  and  I  felt  sure 
that  if  he  should  be  called  ever  so  unexpectedly,  he 
would  not  enter  the  presence  of  his  Maker  with  a  ruf- 
fled spirit;  but  I  could  not  bear  to  have  him  go  away, 
without  knowing  how  doubtful  it  was  whether  our 
next  meeting  would  not  be  in  eternity ;  and  perhaps 
too,  in  my  own  distress,  I  might  still  have  looked  for 
words  of  encouragement  and  sympathy,  to  a  source 
which  had  never  before  failed. 

It  was  late  in  the  night,  and  I  had  been  performing 
some  little  sick-room  offices,  when  suddenly  he  looked 
up  to  me,  and  exclaimed,  "  This  will  never  do !  You 
are  killing  yourself  for  me,  and  I  will  not  permit  it 
You  must  have  some  one  to  relieve  you.  If  I  had  not 
been  made  selfish  by  suffering,  I  should  have  insisted 
upon  it  long  ago." 

He  spoke  so  like  himself — with  the  earnestness  of 


EMILY  C.   JUDSON.  351 

health,  and  in  a  tone  to  which  my  ear  had  of  late  been 
a  stranger,  that  for  a  moment  I  felt  almost  bewildered 
with  sudden  hope.  He  received  my  reply  to  what  he 
had  said,  with  a  half-pitying,  half-gratified  smile,  but 
in  the  meantime  his  expression  had  changed — the 
marks  of  excessive  debility  were  again  apparent,  and 
I  could  not  forbear  adding,  "  It  is  only  a  little  while, 
you  know." 

"  Only  a  little  while,"  he  repeated  mournfully ;  "  this 
separation  is  a  bitter  thing,  but  it  does  not  distress  me 
now  as  it  did — I  am  too  weak."  "  You  have  no  reason 
to  be  distressed,"  I  answered,  "  with  such  glorious 
prospects  before  you.  You -have  often  told  me  it  is 
the  one  left  alone  who  suffers,  not  the  one  who  goes 
to  be  with  Christ."  He  gave  me  a  rapid,  questioning 
glance,  then  assumed  for  several  moments  an  attitude 
of  deep  thought.  Finally,  he  slowly  unclosed  his  eyes, 
and  fixing  them  on  me,  said  in  a  calm,  earnest  tone,  "  I 
do  not  believe  I  am  going  to  die.  I  think  I  know  why 
this  illness  has  been  sent  upon  me — I  needed  it — I  feel 
that  it  has  done  me  good — and  it  is  my  impression, 
that  I  shall  now  recover,  and  be  a  better  and  more 
useful  man." 

"  Then  it  is  your  wish  to  recover?"  I  inquired.  "If 
it  should  be  the  will  of  God,  yes.  I  should  like  to 
complete  the  dictionary,  on  which  I  have  bestowed  so 
much  labor,  now  that  it  is  so  nearly  done ;  for  though 


852  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCH  OP 

it  has  not  been  a  work  that  pleased  my  taste,  or  quite 
satisfied  my  feelings,  I  have  never  underrated  its  im- 
portance. Then  after  that  come  all  the  plans  we  have 
formed.  Oh,  I  feel  as  though  only  just  beginning  to 
be  prepared  for  usefulness." 

"It  is  the  opinion  of  most  of  the  mission,"  I  re- 
marked, "  that  you  will  not  recover."  "  I  know  it  is," 
he  replied ;  "  and  I  suppose  they  think  me  an  old  man, 
and  imagine  that  it  is  nothing  for  one  like  me  to  resign 
a  life  so  full  of  trials.  But  I  am  not  old — at  least  in 
that  sense — you  know  I  am  not.  Oh !  no  man  ever 
left  this  world  with  more  inviting  prospects,  with 
brighter  hopes  or  warmer  feelings — warmer  feelings" 
— he  repeated,  and  burst  into  tears.  His  face  was 
perfectly  placid,  even  while  the  tears  broke  away  from 
the  closed  lids,  and  rolled,  one  after  another,  down  to 
the  pillow.  There  was  no  trace  of  agitation  or  pain 
in  his  manner  of  weeping,  but  it  was  evidently  the 
result  of  acute  sensibilities,  combined  with  great  phy- 
sical weakness.  To  some  suggestions  which  I  ventured 
to  make,  he  replied,  "  It  is  not  that — I  know  all  that, 
and  feel  it  in  my  inmost  heart.  Lying  here  on  my  bed, 
when  I  could  not  talk,  I  have  had  such  views  of  the 
loving  condescension  of  Christ,  and  the  glories  of 
heaven,  as  I  believe  are  seldom  granted  to  mortal  man. 
tt  is  not  because  I  shrink  from  death,  that  I  wish  to 
live ;  neither  is  it  because  the  ties  that  bind  me  here, 


EMILY  C.   JUDSON.  353 

though  some  of  them  are  very  sweet,  bear  any  com- 
parison with  the  drawings  I  at  times  feel  towards 
heaven ;  but  a  few  years  would  not  be  missed  from 
my  eternity  of  bliss,  and  I  can  well  afford  to  spare 
them,  both  for  your  sake  and  for  the  sake  of  the  poor 
Burmans.  I  am  not  tired  of  my  work,  neither  am  I 
tired  of  the  world ;  yet  when  Christ  calls  me  home,  1 
shall  go  with  the  gladness  of  a  boy  bounding  away 
from  his  school.  Perhaps  I  feel  something  like  the 
young  bride,  when  she  contemplates  resigning  the 
pleasant  associations  of  her  childhood,  for  a  yet  dearer 
home — though  only  a  very  little  like  her — for  there  is 
no  doubt  resting  on  my  future."  "  Then  death  would 
not  take  you  by  surprise,"  I  remarked,  "  if  it  should 
come  even  before  you  could  get  on  board  ship."  "Oh, 
no,"  he  said,  "  death  will  never  take  me  by  surprise — 
do  not  be  afraid  of  that — I  feel  so  strong  in  Christ. 
He  has  not  led  me  so  tenderly  thus  far,  to  forsake  me 
at  the  very  gate  of  heaven.  No,  no ;  I  am  willing  to 
live  a  few  years  longer,  if  it  should  be  so  ordered ;  and 
if  otherwise,  I  am  willing  and  glad  to  die  now.  I  leave 
myself  entirely  in  the  hands  of  God,  to  be  disposed  of 
according  to  his  holy  will." 

The  next  day  some  one  mentioned  in  his  presence, 
that  the  native  Christians  were  greatly  opposed  to  the 
voyage,  and  that  many  other  persons  had  a  similar 
feeling  with  regard  to  it.  I  thought  he  seemed  trou- 

23 


354  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH   OF 

bled ;  and  after  the  visitor  had  withdrawn,  I  inquired 
if  he  still  felt  as  when  he  conversed  with  me  the  night 
previous.  He  replied,  "  Oh  yes ;  that  was  no  evanes- 
cent feeling.  It  has  been  with  me,  to  a  greater  or  less 
extent,  for  years,  and  will  be  with  me,  I  trust,  to  the 
end.  I  am  ready  to  go  to-day — if  it  should  be  the  wil' 
of  God,  this  very  hour ;  but  I  am  not  anxious  to  die — 
at  least  when  I  am  not  beside  myself  with  pain." 

"  Then  why  are  you  so  desirous  to  go  to  sea  ?  I 
should  think  it  would  be  a  matter  of  indifference  to 
you."  "No,"  he  answered  quietly,  "my  judgment  tells 
nne  it  would  be  wrong  not  to  go — the  doctor  says 
criminal.  I  shall  certainly  die  here — if  I  go  a-way,  1 
may  possibly  recover.  There  is  no  question  with  re- 
gard to  duty  in  such  a  case ;  and  I  do  not  like  to  see 
any  hesitation,  even  though  it  springs  from  affection." 

He  several  times  spoke  of  a  burial  at  sea,  and  always 
as  though  the  prospect  were  agreeable.  It  brought, 
he  said,  a  sense  of  freedom  and  expansion  and  seemed 
far  pleasanter  than  the  confined,  dark,  narrow  grave, 
to  which  he  had  committed  so  many  that  he  loved. 
And  he  added,  that  although  his  burial-place  was  a 
•qnatter  of  no  real  importance,  yet  he  believed  it  was 
.A)t  in  human  nature  to  be  altogether  without  a  choice. 

I  have  already  given  you  an  account  of  the  em- 
jarkation,  of  my  visits  to  him  while  the  vessel  remain- 
ed in  the  river,  and  of  our  last  sad,  silent  parting ;  and 


EMILY   C.   JUDSON.  355 

Mr.  Ranney  has  finished  the  picture.  You  will  find 
in  this  closing  part,  some  dark  shadows,  that  will  give 
you  pain;  but  you  must  remember  that  his  present 
felicity  is  enhanced  by  those  very  sufferings ;  and  we 
should  regret  nothing  that  serves  to  brighten  his  crown 
in  glory.  I  ought  also  to  add,  that  I  have  gained 
pleasanter  impressions  in  conversation  with  Mr.  R. 
than  from  his  written  account ;  but  it  would  be  diffi- 
cult to  convey  them  to  you ;  and,  as  he  whom  they 
concern  was  accustomed  to  say  of  similar  things,  "you 
will  learn  it  all  in  heaven." 

During  the  last  hour  of  your  sainted  brother's  life, 
Mr.  Ranney  bent  over  him  and  held  his  hand  ;  while 
poor  Pinapah  stood  at  a  little  distance  weeping  bitterly. 
The  table  had  been  spread  in  the  cuddy,  as  usual,  and 
the  officers  did  not  know  what  was  passing  in  the 
cabin,  till  summoned  to  dinner.  Then  they  gathered 
about  the  door,  and  watched  the  closing  scene  with 
solemn  reverence.  Now — thanks  to  a  merciful  God ! 
his  pains  had  left  him,  not  a  momentary  spasm  disturb- 
ed his  placid  face,  nor  did  the  contraction  of  a  muscle 
denote  the  least  degree  of  suffering;  the  agony  of 
death  was  passed,  and  his  wearied  spirit  was  turning 
to  its  rest  in  the  bosom  of  his  Saviour.  From  time  to 
time,  he  pressed  the  hand  in  which  his  own  was  rest- 
ing, his  clasp  losing  in  force  at  each  successive  pres- 
sure ;  while  his  shortened  breath  (though  there  was  no 


356  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH. 

struggle,  no  gasping,  as  if  it  came  and  went  with  diffi- 
culty) gradually  grew  softer  and.  fainter,  until  it  died 
upon  the  air — and  he  was  gone.  Mr.  Ranney  closed 
the  eyes,  and  composed  the  passive  limbs, — the  ship's 
officers  stole  softly  from  the  door,  and  the  neglected 
meal  was  left  upon  the  board  untasted. 

They  lowered  him  to  his  ocean-grave  without  a 
prayer;  for  his  freed  spirit  had  soared  above  the  reach 
of  earthly  intercession,  and  to  the  foreigners  who  stood 
around,  it  would  have  been  a  senseless  form.  And 
there  they  left  him  in  his  unquiet  sepulchre;  but  it 
matters  little,  for  we  know  that  while  the  unconscious 
clay  is  "  drifting  on  the  shifting  currents  of  the  restless 
main,"  nothing  can  disturb  the  hallowed  rest  of  the 
immortal  spirit.  Neither  could  he  have  a  more  fitting 
monument,  than  the  blue  waves  which  visit  every 
coast ;  for  his  warm  sympathies  went  forth  to  the  ends 
of  the  earth,  and  included  the  whole  family  of  man. 
It  is  all  as  God  would  have  it,  and  our  duty  is  but  to 
bend  meekly  to  his  will,  and  wait,  in  faith  and  patience, 
till  we  also  shall  be  summoned  home. 


CHAPTER  II. 

CONCLUSION. 

«     *     *     *     "Last  scene  of  all 
To  close  this  sad,  eventful  history." 

SCARCELY  four  years  ago, — in  sickness  and  loneli- 
ness, and  sad  suspense, — in  her  Burman  home,  from 
which  had  departed  (alas,  forever ! )  its  light  and 
head — Emily  C.  Judson  penned  the  foregoing  beauti- 
ful letter.  Read  again  its  closing  sentence,*  and  note 
how  short  a  time  she  has  "  waited  in  faith  and  pa- 
tience-; "  how  soon  she  has  been  "  summoned  home." 
For  her,  it  would  be  wrong  for  us  to  mourn.  She  hag 
rejoined  that  circle,  which  she  loved  so  well  on  earth, 
in  a  land  where 

"Sickness  and  sorrow,  pain  and  death 
Are  felt  and  feared  no  more." 

But  to  her  aged  parents  —  to  the  little  flock  to 
whom  she  was  as  the  tenderest  mother — to  the  liter- 
ary world,  which  enjoyed  the  ripe  fruits  of  her  genius 

*  Page  356. 


358  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH   OF 

— to  the  Christian  world,  of  which  she  was  a  shining 
ornament  and  glory,  her  loss  is  irreparable.  In  her 
own  inimitable  words,  we  may  exclaim  : 

"  "Weep,  ye  bereaved !  a  dearer  head 

Ne'er  left  the  pillowing  breast ; 
The  good,  the  pure,  the  lovely  fled, 
When  mingling  with  the  shadowy  dead 

She  meekly  went  to  rest. 

"Angels,  rejoice!  another  string 

Has  caught  the  strains  above  , 
Rejoice,  rejoice!  a  new-fledged  wing 
Around  the  throne  is  hovering, 

In  sweetj  glad,  wondering  love." 

But  though  one  of  the  sweet  fountains  that  well  up 
here  and  there  in  our  desert  world,  and  surround 
themselves  with  greenness,  and  beauty,  and  life,  has 
been  exhaled  to  heaven,  still  it  is  refreshing  to  know 
that  its  streams,  which  made  glad  so  many  hearts, 
have  not  perished,  for  they  were  of  "  living  water, 
springing  up  "  into  immortality.  The  writer  is  lost 
to  us ;  her  writings  remain.  By  them  "  she  being 
dead  yet  speaketh,"  and  through  them,  whensoever 
we  will,  she  may  talk  with  us. 

Mrs.  Judson's  final  malady  was  consumption,  but 
for  several  years  her  health  had  been  feeble.  One  who 
saw  her  just  before  she  left  America  says:  "  Look- 
ing upon  her,  we  saw  at  once  that  it  was  a  spirit 
which  had  already  outworn  its  frame — a  slight,  pale, 


EMILY   C.  JUD8ON.  359 

delicate,  and  transparent  creature,  every  thought  and 
feeling  shining  through,  and  every  word  and  move- 
ment tremulous  with  fragility.  *  *  *  We  said 
farewell  with  no  thought  that  she  would  ever  return." 

From  her  voyage  across  the  ocean  she  suffered  less 
than  was  apprehended,  and  for  a  time  she  found  the 
climate  of  India  rather  congenial  than  otherwise  to 
her  constitution.  Her  short  residence  at  Rangoon, 
whither  her  husband  removed  with  his  family  soon 
after  reaching  Burmah,  was  indeed  a  period  of  great 
suffering,  and  would  have  given  a  shock  to  a  much 
hardier  constitution.  Her  narrative  of  their  suffer- 
ings there,  contained  in  the  life  of  her  husband,  by 
Dr.  "Way land,  excites  our  wonder  that  she  survived 
them.  But  after  their  removal  to  Maulmain,  she 
was  restored  to  comparative  health. 

A  letter  from  her  husband,  written  in  the  latter 
part  of  1848,  when  iier  little  Emily  Frances,  her 
"  bird,"  was  one  year  old,  gives  a  glowing  picture  of 
their  happiness  and  their  labors.  He  playfully  says : 
"  Even  '  the  young  romance  writer '  had  made  a  little 
book,  (Scripture  questions,)  and  she  manages  to  con- 
duct a  Bible  class,  and  native  female  prayer -meetings, 
so  that  I  hope  she  will  yet  come  to  some  good." 

But  a  letter  written  to  Miss  Anable,  Philadelphia, 
in  the  spring  of  1849,  is  in  a  different  strain  :  "  A 
dark  cloud  is  gathering  round  me.  A  crushing 


360  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH   OF 

weight  is  upon  me.  I  cannot  resist  the  dreadful  con- 
viction that  dear  Emily  is  in  a  settled  and  rapid  de- 
cline." After  speaking  of  the  many  means  he  had 
unsuccessfully  employed  for  her  restoration,  he  says  : 
"The  symptoms  are  such  that  I  have  scarcely  any 
hope  left.  *  *  *  If  a  change  to  any  place  prom- 
ised the  least  relief,  I  would  go  anywhere.  But  we 
are  here  in  the  healthiest  part  of  India,  in  the  dry, 
warm  season,  and  she  suffers  so  much  at  sea  that  a 
voyage  could  hardly  be  recommended  for  itself.  My 
only  hope  is,  the  doctor  declares  her  lungs  are  not  se- 
riously affected.  *  *  *  When  at  Tavoy,  she 
made  up  her  mind  that  she  must  die  soon,  and  that 
is  now  her  prevailing  expectation ;  but  she  contem- 
plates the  event  with  composure  and  resignation. 

*  *     *    Though  she  feels  that  in  her  circumstances, 
prolonged  life  is  exceedingly  desirable,  she  is  quite 
willing  to  leave  all  at  the  Savior's  call.     Praise  be  to 
God  for  his  love  to  her."     Some  days  later  he  adds  : 
"  Emily  is  better.     *     *     *    But  though  the  deadly 
pressure  is  removed  from  my  heart,  I  do  not  venture 
to  indulge  any  sanguine  hopes  after  what  I  have  seen. 

*  *     *     Do  remember  us  in  your  prayers." 

The  doctor's  predictions  proved  correct ;  Mrs.  Jud- 
son  partially  recovered  from  this  attack,  although  in 
August  her  husband  writes :  "  Emily's  health  is  very 
delicate — her  hold  on  life  very  precarious." 


EMILY   C.  JUDSON.  361 

Alas!  his  own  hold  on  life  was  more  precarious 
still.  In  the  following  spring,  the  heart  that  had  beat 
for  her  so  fondly  and  truly  was  consigned  to  its  "  un- 
quiet sepulchre  ; "  "  the  blue  waves  which  visit  every 
coast "  his  only  and  "  fitting  monument ; "  while  the 
object  of  his  tender  solicitude  was  compelled  to  en- 
dure four  months  the  agony  of  suspense  as  to  his  fate, 
terminated  by  the  sad  certainty  of  his  dea-th.* 

After  the  death  of  her  husband,  Mrs.  Judson  ex- 
pressed a  strong  desire  to  remain  in  Burmah  and  de- 
vote herself  to  the  cause  which  was  so  dear  to  her 
husband's  and  her  own  heart.  But  her  health,  al- 
ways delicate,  was  so  unfavorably  affected  by  that  cli- 
mate that  her  physicians  were  of  opinion  another 
rainy  season  would  terminate  her  life.  A  numerous 
family  of  children,  several  of  whom  were  in  this  coun- 
try, needed  her  maternal  care  and  guidance  ;  and  for 
their  sakes,  as  well  as  for  her  own,  she  left  Bnrmah 
in  the  winter  following  her  husband's  death,  and  ar- 
rived in  this  country  in  October,  1851,  after  an  ab- 
sence of  five  years  and  three  months.  She  found  in 
the  beautiful  village  of  Hamilton  a  sequestered  and 
lovely  home  for  herself  and  her  family,  which  con- 
sisted of  her  aged  parents,  the  five  children  of  Sarah 
B.  Judson,  and  her  own  "bird,"  Einily  Frances. 

*  See  her  touching  allusion  to  that  suspense  in  the  thirteenth  and 
fourteenth  Yerses  of  her  poem,  "Sweet  Mother,"  page  336. 
P 


362  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH   OP 

The  cares  of  her  family,  and  literary  labors,  here  di- 
vided her  time  until  the  prostration  of  her  health  by 
her  last  sickness,  since  which  period  she  has  "  set  her 
house  in  order,"  *  and  calmly  awaited  the  summons 
of  death.  Peacefully  and  sweetly  did  the  summons 
come,  and  on  the  first  of  June  she  fell  asleep  in  Je- 
sus. With  a  sister  poet  she  might  have  said — 


"  I'm  passing  through  the  eternal  gates, 
Ere  June's  sweet  roses  blow." 


She  had  often  spoken  of  this  rich  and  glorious 
month  as  her  "  time  to  die,"  and  repeated  Bryant's 
hymn,— 

"Twere  pleasant  that  in  flowery  June, 
When  brooks  send  up  a  cheerful  tune, 

And  groves  a  joyous  sound, 
The  sexton's  hand  my  grave  to  make, 
The  rich,  green  mountain-turf  should  break." 

*  These  are  no  idle  words,  for,  says  the  New  York  Recorder, 
"Her  love  for  the  missionary  enterprise  found  expression  in  an  act, 
by  which  she,  being  dead,  will  long  speak  through  the  living  her- 
alds of  the  cross.  By  her  will,  as  we  learn  from  an  authentic  source, 
after  providing  for  the  comfortable  maintenance  of  her  aged  parents 
and  the  support  and  education  of  her  daughter  and  the  other  chil- 
dren of  Dr.  Judson,  with  a  small  portion  to  each  as  they  reach  ma- 
turity, and  a  few  bequests  to  personal  friends,  whatever  may  re- 
main of  her  property  is  given  to  the  cause  for  which  she  wished  to 
live,  in  the  same  spirit  that  her  venerated  husband  so  consistently 
exemplified.  She  was  solicitous  that  the  children  left  in  her  guar 
dianship  should  lack  no  good  that  a  Christian  parent  could  desire ; 


EMILY   C.  JTTDSON.  303 

Nature  had  no  more  ardent  lover  than  she ;  and  it 
is  pleasant  to  think  that  her  dust  is  returning  to  dust 
in  a  lovely  village  church-yard,  under  the  "  pure  air 
of  heaven,  and  amid  the  luxuriance  of  flowers." 
Pleasant  also  is  it  to  read  that  a  vast  concourse  of 
sincere  admirers  and  loving  friends,  and  among  them 
all  her  children,  eagerly  testified  their  respect  to  her, 
by  attending  her  remains  to  their  burial.  To  her 
glorified  spirit  such  manifestations  may  indeed  be  of 
little  moment.  Yet  even  her  glorified  spirit  may  feel 
a  new  thrill  of  pleasure  in  beholding,  from  its  serene 
sphere,  the  love  that  prompted  them,  and  sought  in 
the  choice  of  her  last  resting-place  to  give  even  to 
the  unconscious  dead  one  more  proof  of  affection. 

In  so  imperfect  a  sketch  as  ours,  a  delineation  of 
the  character  of  Mrs.  Judson  will  not  be  attempted. 
We  would  not,  if  we  could,  anticipate  her  memoir, 
which,  it  is  said,  will  soon  be  published.  From  doc- 
uments open  to  the  public,we  shall  merely  glean  such 
notices  of  her  life  and  character  as  shall  induce  in  our 

beyond  this,  and  the  fulfillment  of  filial  duty,  her  single  aim  was  the 
furtherance  of  His  kingdom  to  whom  her  heart  was  supremely  loyal 
and  her  life  unreservedly  devoted. 

It  is  interesting  to  learn,  from  the  same  authority,  that  the  young- 
est of  Mrs.  S.  B.  Jadson's  five  children,  a  hoy  of  eight  years,  has 
been  adopted  by  Professor  Dodge,  of  Madison  University ;  and  her 
own  daughter,  by  Miss  Anable,  of  Philadelphia,  one  of  the  warmest 
friends  of  Mrs.  E.  C.  Judson.  The  other  children  are  pursuing  their 
education  under  different  guardians. 


364:  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH    OF 

readers  a  desire  to  know  those  details  of  her  personal 
history  which  will  doubtless  be  found  in  her  biography. 
From  what  we  can  learn,  we  infer  that  the  promi- 
nent traits  jn  her  character  were  strong  affections, 
energy,  and  disinterestedness.  Of  a  slight  and  deli- 
cate frame  and  constitution,  and  a  sensibility  almost 
amounting  to  sensitiveness,  she  at  an  early  age  en- 
gaged in  duties  and  made  sacrifices  scarcely  expected 
from  the  robust  and  vigorous.  And  her  exertions 
had  for  their  end  mainly  to  benefit  those  she  loved. 
Whether  she  taught  in  the  district  school,  or  in  the 
higher  seminary,  or  wrote  Sunday-school  books,  or 
contributed  to  literary  periodicals,  her  affection  foi 
her  mother,  and  desire  to  lighten  her  burdens,  seem 
to  have  stimulated  her  exertions  and  called  forth  her 
powers.  In  her  early  religious  experience,  the  same 
disinterestedness  manifested  itself;  for  no  sooner  did 
she  feel  the  renewing  power  of  faith  in  her  own  heart, 
than  she  longed  to  impart  even  to  the  distant  heathen 
the  same  precious  blessing.*  Unselfish  affection  is 
also,  we  think,  a  strongly  marked  trait  in  her  mar- 
ried life.  Not  long  after  their  arrival  in  Burmah,  Mr. 
Judson  writes  :  "  Emily  loves  the  children  as  if  they 
were  her  own."  And  again,  nearly  two  years  later  : 
"  We  are  a  deliciously  happy  family ; "  and  again, 

*  See  page  323. 


EMILY   C.  JUDSON".  365 

"  Emily  has  taken  to  my  two  boys  as  if  they  were  her 
own ;  so  that  we  are  a  very  happy  family ;  not  a 
happier,  I  am  sure,  on  the  broad  earth." 

Another  proof  of  the  same  trait,  was  her  loving 
and  sympathetic  appreciation  of  a  peculiar  trait  in 
her  husband,  which,  had  her  disposition  been  less 
noble,  might  have  caused  her  some  annoyance.  Of 
this  trait  Dr.  Wayland  thus  speaks  :  "  There  was  a 
feature  in  Dr.  Judson's  affection  as  a  husband,  which 
was,  I  think,  peculiar.  He  was,  as  it  is  well  known, 
married  three  times,  and  no  man  was  ever  more  ten- 
derly attached  to  each  of  his  wives.  The  present  af- 
fection, however,  seemed  in  no  respect  to  lessen  his 
affection  for  those  for  whom  he  mourned.  He  ever 
spoke  of  those  who  had  gone  before,  with  undimin- 
ished  interest.  In  one  of  his  letters  to  his  daughter, 
after  saying  he  did  not  believe  there  existed  on  earth 
so  happy  a  family  as  his,  he  soon  after  adds  :  '  My 
tears  fall  frequently  for  her  who  lies  in  her  lone  bed  at 
St.  Helena.'  It  was  at  his  suggestion  that  Mrs.  Em- 
ily Judson  wrote  the  life  of  her  predecessor.  He 
frequently  refers  with  delight  to  the  time  when  he, 
and  all  those  whom  he  so  much  loved,  shall  meet  in 
Paradise,  no  more  to  part,  but  to  spend  an  eternity 
together  in  the  presence  of  Christ.  Those  that  were 
once  loved  were  loved  to  the  end ;  but  this  did  not 
prevent  the  bestowment  of  an  equal  amount  of  affec- 


366  BIOGRAPHICAL   SKETCH    OF 

tion  on  a  successor."  To  quote  the  words  of  another, 
speaking  of  Mrs.  Mary  Ware,  who,  placed  in  similar 
circumstances  to  Mrs.  Judson,  showed  the  same  no- 
ble superiority  to  a  common  weakness  of  her  sex  : 
"  She  had  no  sympathy  and  little  respect  for  that  nar- 
row view  which  insists  that  the  departed  and  the  liv- 
ing cannot  share  the  same  pure  love  of  the  same  true 
heart.  "With  regard  to  a  former  wife — '  she  was  the 
nearest  and  dearest  to  him ' — she  would  say,  '  how 
then  can  I  do  otherwise  than  love  and  cherish  her 
memory  ? '  And  her  children  she  received  as  a  pre- 
cious legacy  ;  they  were  to  her  from  the  first  mo- 
ment like  her  own  ;  neither  she  nor  they  knew  any 
distinction." 

Since  writing  the  above,  we  have  seen  a  poem,  enti- 
tled "  Love's  Last  "Wish,"  addressed  to  her  husband, 
by  Mrs.  Judson  when  she  thought  herself  near  death, 
which  expresses  so  beautifully  the  sentiment  we  have 
here  attributed  to  her,  that,  did  our  limits  permit, 
we  would  copy  the  whole.  We  can  only  give  an 
extract. 

"Them  say'st  I'm  fading  day  by  day, 

And  in  thy  face  I  read  thy  fears ; 
It  would  be  hard  to  pass  away 

So  soon,  and  leave  thee  to  thy  tears. 
I  hoped  to  linger  by  thy  side, 

Until  thy  homeward  call  was  given, 
Then  silent  to  my  pillow  glide, 

And  wake  upon  thy  breast  in  heaven. 


EMILY    O.  JUD8ON.  367 


'  I  do  not  ask  to  be  forgot ; 

I've  read  thy  heart  in  every  line, 
And  know  that  there  one  eacred  spot, 

"Whate'er  betide,  will  still  be  mine ; 
For  death  but  lays  its  mystic  spell 

Upon  affection's  earthliness, — 
I  know  that,  though  thou  lov'st  me  well, 

Thou  lov'st  thy  sainted  none  the  less. 


"  And  when  at  last  we  meet  above, 

"Where  marriage  vows  are  never  spoken, 
We  all  shall  form  one  chain  of  love, 
Whose  spirit-links  can  ne'er  be  broken." 

Of  Mrs.  Judson's  happiness  in  her  married  and 
missionary  life,  we  feel  bound  to  say  a  few  words,  be- 
cause the  tone  of  some  articles,  written  since  her 
death,  would  lead  to  the  impression  that,  so  far  from 
having  had  any  enjoyment  as  a  wife,  a  mother,  and 
a  missionary,  she  had  sacrificed  not  only  all  her  liter- 
ary aspirations,  but  her  whole  earthly  happiness  to 
her  desire  to  benefit  the  heathen.  Thus  one  widely 
circulated  article  speaks  of  her  mission-life  as  a  "  slow 
martyrdom  of  sacrifices  and  sorrows ; "  *  *  *  as 
"  filled  with  bitterness," — speaks,  too,  of  the  agony 
wrung  out  of  her  heart  by  suspense  in  regard  to  her 
husband's  fate,  expressed  in  that  exquisite  piece  to  her 
mother,  (page  334,)  as  "  one  hour  of  the  years  she  suf- 


368  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH    OF 

fercd  in  Burmah."  That  the  life  of  any  faithful  mis- 
sionary is  one  of  exile,  toil,  and  privation,  we  are  not 
disposed  to  deny.  The  world  knows  it  too  well ;  and 
seeing  that  such  toils  are  uncheered  by  the  acquisition 
of  fame  or  wealth — the  only  reward  it  can  appreciate 
— the  world  considers  the  life  of  the  missionary  a  liv- 
ing death,  endured  like  martyrdom,  only  for  the  sake 
of  its  crown  in  the  life  to  come.  But  not  in  this  light 
was  their  life  considered  by  the  noble  three  whose 
history  we  have  sketched  in  this  volume,  nor  by  Dr. 
Judson.  The  elevated  sources  of  happiness  opened 
even  in  this  world  to  those  who  literally  obey  the 
command  to  forsake  all  for  Christ,  cast  far  into  the 
shade  all  merely  selfish  enjoyment ;  while  the  pure 
domestic  affections,  and  the  bliss  resulting  from  them, 
are  as  much  the  portion  of  the  missionary,  as  of  his 
favored  brethren  at  home.  Who  can  read  the  letters 
of  Dr.  Judson,  in  Dr.  Wayland's  memoir  of  him,  or 
the  exquisite  letters  of  his  widow  found  in  this  vol 
ume,  without  the  conviction  that  the  latter  years  of 
her  life,  privileged  as  they  were  with  the  high  com- 
panionship of  one  so  gifted  and  so  dear  as  was  her 
husband,  and  in  the  midst  of  social  and  domestic  du- 
ties that  brought  their  own  exceeding  great  reward, 
were,  of  all  her  years,  the  richest  and  the  happiest  ? 
But  her  own  idea  of  the  comparative  happiness  of 
her  two  lives,  may  be  best  gathered  from  her  poetry, 


EMILY   C.  JTTDSON.  369 

for  it  is  a  characteristic  and  charm  of  her  verse  that 
it  is  the  pouring  forth  of  her  deepest  feelings  at  the 
moment  when  they  swayed  her  soul  with  strongest 
influence.  We  extract  a  few  verses  from  a  poem 
written  at  Rangoon,  during  that  period  of  great  phys- 
ical suffering  to  which  we  have  alluded,  but  of  which 
Dr.  Judson  writes  :  "  My  sojourn  in  Rangoon, 
though  tedious  and  trying  in  some  respects,  I  regard 
as  one  of  the  greenest  spots,  one  of  the  brightest 
oases,  in  the  diversified  wilderness  of  my  life.  If 
this  world  is  so  happy,  what  must  heaven  be  ? " 

TO  MY  HUSBAND. 

"  Tis  May,  but  no  sweet  violet  springs 

In  these  strange  woods  and  dells; 
The  dear  home-lily  never  swings 

Her  little  pearly  bells ; 
But  search  my  heart  and  thou  wilt  see 
What  wealth  of  flowers  it  owes  to  thee. 

The  robin's  voice  is  never  heard 

From  palm  and  banyan  trees ; 
And  strange  to  me  each  gorgeous  bird, 

Whose  pinion  fans  the  breeze ; 
But  love's  white  wing  bends  softly  here, 
Love's  thrilling  music  fills  my  ear. 


The  pure,  the  beautiful,  the  good, 
Ne'er  gather  in  this  place ; 

None  but  the  vicious  and  the  rude, 
The  dark  of  mind  and  face ; 

But  all  the  wealth  of  thy  vast  soul 

Is  pressed  into  my  brimming  bowL 
P*  24 


3TO  BIOGRAPHICAL    SKETCH  OF 

Here  closely  nestled  by  thy  side, 

Thy  arm  around  me  thrown, 
I  ask  no  more.     In  mirth  and  prick 

I've  stood —  oh  so  alone  I 
Now,  what  is  all  this  world  to  me, 
Since  I  have  found  my  world  in  thee  ? 

Oh  if  we  are  so  happy  here, 

Amid  our  toils  and  pains, 
With  thronging  cares  and  dangers  neai 

And  marr'd  by  earthly  stains, 
How  great  must  be  the  compass  given 
Our  souls,  to  bear  the  bliss  of  heaven  f  " 

As  to  the  sacrifice  of  her  literary  taste  and  reputa- 
tion, this  is  so  far  from  the  fact,  that  we  may  assert, 
without  fear  of  contradiction,  that  the  world  never 
knew  her  best  excellence  as  a  writer,  till  it  was 
startled,  as  it  were,  by  her  deathless  utterances,  wafted 
by  east  winds  from  her  Indian  home.  Her  memoir 
of  her  predecessor,  and  her  appeals  for  Burmah, 
have  thrilled  thousands  of  hearts  that  knew  nothing 
of  her  "  Alderbrook ; "  and  her  "  Bird,"  has,  perhaps, 
awakened  in  many  a  mother's  heart  its  first  deep  ap- 
preciation of  the  holy  responsibilities  of  maternity. 
The  Christian  world  gained  much,  the  literary  world 
lost  nothing,  when  Fanny  Forester  became  a  mis- 
sionary. 

But  her  harp  is  idle  now,  and  its  loosened  strings 
will  wait  long  for  a  hand  to  tune  and  draw  from  them 


EMILY    C.  JUDSON.  371 

such  soul-moving  cadences  as  we  have  been  wont  to 
hear.  In  purer  air  SHE  sweeps  a  nobler  lyre  ;  and 
methinks  her  song  may  well  be,  "Blessed  are  the 
dead  that  die  in  the  Lord  ;  even  so,  saith  the  Spirit, 
for  they  rest  from  their  labors,  and  THEIR  WORKS  DO 

FOLLOW  THEM." 


THE   END. 


MAGNIFICEiM  WORK  OF   HISTORY. 

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No.  25  Park  Row,  NEW  YORK,  and  107  Gen<v»c<»-st,  AUBCRX. 


LIFE  OF 

MARY,  QUEEN  OF  SCOTS. 

* 

BY   P.    C.    HEADLEY, 

AUTHOR  OF   'JOSEPHINE,'    'KOSSUTH,'   '-WOMEN   OF  THE  BIBLE,'   ETC. 


Portrait  on  Steel,    Muslin,  448  pp,  12mo.    Price  $1,25. 


EXTRACTS  FROM  THE  REVIEWERS. 


The  universal  interest  that  has  always  been  felt  in  the  romantic  and  tragical  career  of 
this  unfortunate  and  beautiful  queen,  will  render  this  biography  one  of  living  interest — 
Olive  Branch. 

The  sale  of  three  editions  of  this  work  attests  its  popularity. — N.  T.  Time*. 

The  style  In  which  the  present  volume  rehearses  the  story,  will  secure  for  it  an  extensive 
circulation.—^-  Y.  Organ. 

It  is  a  full  and  corrected  history  of  this  remarkable  personage. — N.   T,  Evangelist. 

Our  author  throws  a  chain  around  his  subject  that  will  insure  for  it  a  success  equal  to 
the  "Josephine." — Newport  Mercury. 

It  is  an  affecting  story,  however  told,  and  it  is  probably  as  near  historic  accuracy  aa 
auj  other  life  of  the  beautiful  Scotch  Queen  that  we  have. — Lutheran  Observer. 

"We  commend  this  work  to  our  readers  who  are  inclined  to  tbo  study  of  history  in 
biography,  of  the  most  interesting  character. —  Wesleyan,  Syracust. 

An  old  theme,  but  handled  with  the  masterly  style  which  characterizes  everything 
HBADLBT  attempts. — Ohio  Statesman. 

He  has  consulted  the  best  English  authors  and  such  a  book  compiled  as  seemed  best 
adapted  to  the  popular  mind  of  the  American  public. — Detroit  Advertiser. 

This  is  a  fine  library  volume,  and  the  universal  interest  felt  in  the  fate  of  the  ro- 
mantic and  tragical  career  of  Mary  Stuart,  will,  no  doubt,  cause  this  American  version  of 
her  life  to  be  sought  for. — Dollar  Newspaper. 

Mr.  Headley  has  performed  his  task  faithfully  and  well.— Ravenna  Star. 

We  think  the  author  has  d&.ne  full  justice  to  his  heroine,  and  has  taken  a  more  correct 
view  of  Mary  as  a  woman,  and  as  a  Queen,  than  we  have  seen  elsewhere. — Lowell  Christ- 
ian Era. 

The  value  of  the  work  is  enhanced  by  the  light  it  throws  upon  the  history  of  some  of 
the  most  important;  kingdoms  of  Europe. — Dwnd.ee  Record. 

All  historical  and  biographical  readers  will  find  it  an  acceptable  volume. —  Yates  Whiff. 

The  life  of  the  lovely,  unhappy  and  unfortunate  Queen  of  Scotland  is  in  this  volume 
delineated  with  rare  faithfulness. — Racine-  Advocate. 

TJie  work  is  full  of  exciting  interest,  and  its  influence  is  good  on  the  young. — Galena  Adv, 

This  account  of  her  life  and  character  seems  well  adapted  to  popular  use.— New 
England  Farmer. 

The  publishers  have  done  well  in  bringing  out  this  work  at  this  time,  when  there  Is 
crying  need  that  the  corruptions  of  political  conduct  be  warned,  by  the  strongest  testi- 
mony, that  retributive  justice  will  not  forever  sleep. — Home  Journal. 

This  is  a  beautiful  volume  of  448  pages,  by  a  popular  writer,  embracing  a  subject 
of  deeply  romantic  and  melancholy  interest — Pittsburgh  Christian  Advocate. 

Published  by  MILLER,  ORTON  &  MULLIGAN, 
No.  25  Park  Row,  NEW  YORK,  and  107  Genesee-st.,  AUBURN. 


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